Competency: Communication

Q: Q_2

Increased Understanding : When you understand who your audience is, you can tailor your message to have the greatest impact. Open to Engagement : Being available, accessible and open to communication will facilitate the exchange of ideas and information. This allows information to flow between individuals. Clear and Succinct : Delivering messages that are clear and succinct will help ensure the messages are well received and understood. Up and Down the Chain of command : Being effective in communicating with superiors and subordinates is a skill that helps information to flow vertically in the organization. Timely and Accurate : Delivering messages that are timely and accurate will ensure relevance of the messages. Persuasive and Impactful : Your communication can influence and inspire others. You should try to maximize the impact of your communications.

Q: Q_3

Understand who you are communicating with. : Make sure that you are conveying information that is needed and will be understood by the audience. Be available and approachable : Maintaining an 'open-door' approach facilitates effective communication. Be open and attentive : Effective two-way communication involves actively listening and being receptive to others' input. Other individuals may have important ideas and information to share. Be clear in your messaging : Ensuring your communication is clear will help others understand your message. Articulate your ideas clearly. It may help to practice your message with another individual who would give you feedback. Be succinct : Focus only on the content that is necessary. Avoid rambling or deviating from the topic. It may help to prepare an agenda (or outline) in advance to keep the communication focused on topic. Confirm communication : Ensure the audience has grasped your points before moving forward with the discussion. Professionalism : Consistently communicate with respect and professionalism, steering clear of any disrespectful or mocking behavior.

Q: Q_4

Collaboration : All business organizations require collaboration between different individuals to get the work done. This collaboration is facilitated through good communication. Increased Productivity : Productivity is enhanced when information flows to where it is needed. Instructions and expectations are communicated to the employees. Errors and delays are reduced if the communication is clear and succinct. Stronger Working Relationships : Good communication builds trust and rapport among colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, leading to more positive and productive interactions. Effective Problem-Solving : Open communication allows for the free exchange of ideas and feedback leading to more innovative solutions and quicker resolution of issues. Improved Decision Making : The best decisions are made when all of the relevant information is available for consideration. Communication helps ensure this information is Better Employee Engagement : Encouraging open information sharing and actively listening to employees' ideas and concerns fosters greater engagement within the organization. Employees will feel they have more of a share in the success of the business. Improved Leadership : Leaders who communicate well can inspire and guide their teams more effectively, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Definition: Communication skills mean being able to adapt your communication to the audience. To be available, attentive, open for feedback, responsive. To be clear, succinct, and effective. To be able to communicate with superiors and to coach subordinates. To share information in a professional and timely manner. To have expertise, energy, and persuasiveness.

Personal Skills

Communication
Flexibility
Adaptability
Creativity
Accountability
Action
Bias for Action
Integrity
Self Management
Passion To Learn
Continual Learning
Continual Improvement
Creativity
Professional Development
Feedback
Punctuality
Attitude
Cultural Awareness
Emotional Intelligence

Questionnaires Measuring Communication:
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)

What are Communication Skills?

Having good communication skills means you are aware of the target audience and adjust your message appropriately. You are open to receive communication and are attentive to others. People with good communication skills are willing to express themselves and open to ideas from others. They are responsive when others are seeking information. It is important to be clear, concise and accurate in your communications.

Why are Communication skills important?

Increased Understanding: When you understand who your audience is, you can tailor your message to have the greatest impact.
Open to Engagement: Being available, accessible and open to communication will facilitate the exchange of ideas and information. This allows information to flow between individuals.
Clear and Succinct: Delivering messages that are clear and succinct will help ensure the messages are well received and understood.
Up and Down the Chain of command: Being effective in communicating with superiors and subordinates is a skill that helps information to flow vertically in the organization.
Timely and Accurate: Delivering messages that are timely and accurate will ensure relevance of the messages.
Persuasive and Impactful: Your communication can influence and inspire others. You should try to maximize the impact of your communications.

How can I improve communication skills?

Understand who you are communicating with.: Make sure that you are conveying information that is needed and will be understood by the audience.
Be available and approachable: Maintaining an 'open-door' approach facilitates effective communication.
Be open and attentive: Effective two-way communication involves actively listening and being receptive to others' input. Other individuals may have important ideas and information to share.
Be clear in your messaging: Ensuring your communication is clear will help others understand your message. Articulate your ideas clearly. It may help to practice your message with another individual who would give you feedback.
Be succinct: Focus only on the content that is necessary. Avoid rambling or deviating from the topic. It may help to prepare an agenda (or outline) in advance to keep the communication focused on topic.
Confirm communication: Ensure the audience has grasped your points before moving forward with the discussion.
Professionalism: Consistently communicate with respect and professionalism, steering clear of any disrespectful or mocking behavior.

What are the benefits of good Communication skills?

Collaboration: All business organizations require collaboration between different individuals to get the work done. This collaboration is facilitated through good communication.
Increased Productivity: Productivity is enhanced when information flows to where it is needed. Instructions and expectations are communicated to the employees. Errors and delays are reduced if the communication is clear and succinct.
Stronger Working Relationships: Good communication builds trust and rapport among colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, leading to more positive and productive interactions.
Effective Problem-Solving: Open communication allows for the free exchange of ideas and feedback leading to more innovative solutions and quicker resolution of issues.
Improved Decision Making: The best decisions are made when all of the relevant information is available for consideration. Communication helps ensure this information is
Better Employee Engagement: Encouraging open information sharing and actively listening to employees' ideas and concerns fosters greater engagement within the organization. Employees will feel they have more of a share in the success of the business.
Improved Leadership: Leaders who communicate well can inspire and guide their teams more effectively, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

What questions could you consider for including on a 360-degree feedback assessment regarding Communication?

The questionnaire items below will measure communication skills. These questions are grouped into different facets of communication. When creating a 360-degree or other performance assessment, try to select one or two items from each group.

360-Feedback questions that measure Communication:

Audience Awareness

Chooses the communication medium (ie. email, voice mail, memo, project document) that reflects the needs of the content. (ie. urgency, confidentiality, content scope)
Adapts language and terminology to meet the needs of the audience.
Considers the audience in how the communication is presented.
Able to use multiple methods of communication.
Explains complex concepts clearly, using terms/style appropriate for the audience
Tailors writing to the intended audience.
Tailors oral communications to the intended audience.

Available

Maintains an open-door policy to be available for answers and guidance when needed.
Marks their status as "available" to signal they are open for communication.
Keeps open and regular communication with others.
Sets their on-line status to "available" to indicate they are available for communication.
Visible and approachable; is there when you need them.
Keeps an open-door policy to provide support and guidance.
Approachable, dependable, and ready to assist when needed.
Is visible and approachable.
Keeps open and regular communication with team members.

Attentive

Listens to others' points of view with an open mind
Listens attentively and responds thoughtfully, showing they value the conversation.
Asks follow-up questions as needed.
Listens actively & speaks clearly and directly.
Listens attentively and without interrupting team members and customers
Accurately attends to/understands ideas which are exchanged.
Able to understand the core issues of the conversation.
Takes the time to listen to your side in employer/employee disputes
Listens carefully.
Listen and understand
Takes time to listen to you
Listens effectively.
Listens well

Open

Faces the person when speaking or listening to engage in direct communication.
Welcomes input and suggestions from others.
Maintains eye contact to foster direct communication.
Makes eye contact with the person they are speaking with.
Articulates ideas and emotions clearly to others.
Willing to communicate issues and concerns to colleagues.
Willing to express their concerns to colleagues.
Open to receiving feedback from others.
Willing to accept feedback from others.
Effective in communicating thoughts and feelings to others.

Responsive

An effective listener who is responsive to information needs.
Addresses issues of key importance to stakeholders.
Responds to questions with accurate and complete answers
Receives and answers questions - on the spot. S/he has a willingness to address the tough questions.
Listens effectively and responds to new information.
Responds to critical concerns of stakeholders.
Takes on challenging questions and provides instant answers.
Overcomes barriers that prevent effective communication.
Uses active listening techniques (e.g., paraphrasing, reflecting, open-ended questions) to ensure successful communication
Acknowledges an understanding of what the other person is saying.

Clarity

Communicates clearly and get to the point without unnecessary details.
Presents information in a clear and logical format.
Clarifies problems logically, simplifying complex matters into digestible parts.
Speaks clearly, fluently, and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups.
Articulates ideas clearly and assertively.
Delivers information in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
Organizes ideas for better clarity.
Demonstrates clear verbal and written communication skills
Communicates a clear understanding of the subject at hand.
Reports are clear and persuasive.
Clarifies words or statements to gain better understanding of the message.
Communicates clearly and concisely in writing (e.g., professional correspondence is well-organized, to the point, and uses correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar)
Writes in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate grammar, style, and language for the reader.
Able to clarify complex or technical information.
Consistently speaks clearly.
Communicates project information accurately and clearly.

Succinct

Provides straightforward and brief directions.
Makes the complex simple.
Transforms complicated ideas into simple ones.
Able to communicate ideas effectively and succinctly to both individuals and groups, in any setting.
Produces written content that is both succinct and orderly.
Delivers clear and concise instructions.
Conveys ideas confidently and succinctly.
Presents issues, ideas, and strategy concisely and clearly.
Deconstructs complex issues into understandable segments.
Explains issues logically, breaking down complex issues into manageable pieces of information
Focuses communications on the relevant key issues.
Expresses ideas clearly and concisely to individuals and groups, in both formal and informal settings
Writes in a concise and organized manner.

Effective

Communicates effectively with colleagues and customers
Is an effective communicator
Communicates effectively with all levels of the organization.
Effectively and regularly communicates regarding issues that are critical to the team
Communicates effectively with colleagues.
Uses effective non-verbal communication (e.g., eye contact, nodding, gestures, etc.)
Able to effectively prepare and deliver presentations influentially.
Takes steps to prevent interruptions when important issues are being discussed
Communicates effectively with colleagues and partners.
Communicates effectively.
Communicates well

Communicates With Superiors

Communicates with department leadership
Keeps the supervisor informed about achievements and milestones.
Has the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from CEO down) of the organization, external customers, suppliers, as well as the senior counsel of other companies.
Facilitates seamless communication across all management levels.
Engages in clear communication with both senior and junior management.
Confidently communicates across all organizational levels, including external stakeholders.
Effectively engages with everyone from the CEO to external partners.
Confidently interacts with all tiers of the organization.
Reports progress on goals to the supervisor.
Informs supervisor about progress made on goals and objectives.
Communicates effectively with management, both upward and downward.
Communications with college leadership
Has the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from CEO down) of the organization.

Coaches Others

Coaches others and provides feedback on the use of different oral communication styles for different audiences
Mentors others on enhancing their written communication.
Is willing to give feedback to others even if that feedback is critical of their approach.
Ready to offer feedback, even if it involves tough critiques.
Conducts impactful training sessions.
Coaches others on their written communication skills
Communicates to employees how their jobs/ works/ goals relate to organizational goals.
Delivers influential training.
Shows employees how their work contributes to the success of the organization.

Confirms Communication

Checks for understanding throughout conversations or group presentations/discussions
Recaps action steps from meetings to ensure clarity and execution.
Provides followup information and seeks to avoid misunderstandings.
Summarizes or paraphrases the current question to confirm understanding.
Ensures comprehension during conversations or group presentations.
Summarizes the question to verify comprehension.
Verifies understanding throughout discussions.
Reviews any "action steps" resulting from meetings or conversations before concluding to ensure clarity and that plans will be executed
Checks for understanding throughout conversations or group discussions

Communicates Goals/Vision

Communicates goals of project, resources required, resources available, etc. to the team
Communicates Corporate initiatives in a relevant and actionable manner to employees within his/her organization.
Communicates the vision of the organization to all employees.
Communicates progress on business goals to team and upper management
Writes appropriately within organizational guidelines and values.
Lets people know what is expected of them.

Sharing

Communicates crucial information to others.
Provides the reasoning behind choices and actions.
Informs others about changes or developments in plans and goals.
Shares important information with others.
Updates others on changes or progress in plans and goals.
Communicates concepts and ideas to others.
Notifies others about developments in plans and goals.
Discusses ideas and concepts with peers.
Shares concepts and ideas with others.
Explains reasons behind decisions and actions.

Professionalism

Maintains a formal and respectful tone, avoiding use of slang or overly casual language.
Uses polite language and shows respect for others' opinions and time.
Presents their message with professionalism.
Is professional at all times--never ridiculing, mocking or undermining peers or subordinates.
Maintains self-control in conversations.
Maintains good contact with others when speaking.

Timely

Responds in a timely manner, respecting deadlines and others' schedules.
Communicates changes to team members in a timely manner
Communicates company/market changes to appropriate team members in a timely manner

Expertise/Competence

Uses software, graphics, or other aids to clarify complex or technical reports.
Delivers difficult messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner
Supports communication systems recently implemented.
Delivers difficult/sensitive messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner
Prepares effective external communications, using basic familiarity of legal requirements and limitations
Deals with difficult situations calmly and confidently.
Uses correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Energetic

Delivers messages with energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
Delivers messages with personal energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
Conveys priorities with right sense of urgency and importance.

Persuasive

Persuasive and articulate when communicating.
Uses ideas and perspectives to persuade others.
Is an effective and motivating communicator.
Inspires others to take action based on his/her communications
Able to demonstrate persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives.
Demonstrates persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives.

Presentations

Able to deliver presentations.
Comes across as comfortable and effective as a public speaker
Delivers effective presentations.
Prepares and delivers presentations.
Gives clear and convincing presentations.
Can effectively deliver presentations.
Delivers influential presentations.
Effectively delivers presentations to teams, large groups, and diverse audiences
Delivers well-prepared, informed, poised and succinct presentations.
Delivers effective public presentations.
Presents clear and persuasive information in reports.
Prepares and delivers effective presentations that are influential.

Performance Feedback

Provides feedback in a helpful and respectful way, focusing on improvement.
Conducts regular performance feedback discussions with individuals and teams
Implements performance appraisals focused on employee development using SMART criteria
Writes complete and developmentally-oriented performance appraisals with clear goals, using SMART criteria

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