Regardless of the job title or description, each individual should be considered
a Professional. Their words, actions and appearance reflect daily on other's
perceptions of them.
Communication is essential in any workplace and it comes in many forms that
include: Face-to-Face; Written; Email; Voice mail; Text Messaging and Instant
Messaging. Each requires engagement by the sender and receiver to be effective
and the method dictates some common sense applications that project
professionalism.
Face-to-Face communication requires that both the sender and receiver be present
in the communication so that information can be shared. Sometimes, it is
essential that this type of communications is followed by a written piece so
that decisions that were discussed are outlined and both sender and receiver
understand the discussion.
When the communication is in written form, every professional should have the
basic skills of formatting a memo or letter in a manner that conforms to basic
business etiquette. Additionally, when a response is required, the professional
should attend to it within a reasonable period of time. To wait weeks to compose
a written response sends two messages: 1) the recipient did not feel the
response was worth their time or 2) the recipient had a different perception of
its importance.
When it comes to Email, Voicemail and other forms of electronic messaging, it is
essential that each be responded to relatively quickly. Some Professionals
determine that they will respond within 24 hours, which allows the sender to
know that it has been received and their communication attended to. Even a short
response that the message was received and the content will be addressed will
send the message that the sender has not been ignored.
Take some time to determine your professional etiquette involving communications
as it is one of the easiest ways to improve and enhance the perception others
have of you.
NonProfitExpert.com Copyright 1998 - 2010 All Rights Reserved.
