It’s imperative that we ‘get on’ with our colleagues in the workplace . We all know we need to collaborate and co-operate with others. But it isn’t always easy. 

Showing  empathy is a challenge that needs a cut above the usual range of people skills that many of us just haven’t figured out yet.

In the 21^st Century workplace, the key skill to Communicating with Colleagues is “Emotional Intelligence”. That’s being aware of how to use and express  our emotions for the good of all concerned.

So how can you help your staff develop this EQ (emotional intelligence) that  is seen as more important than the traditional IQ?

Until we know different, we’ll continue to jog along with others based on what we’ve learnt to think about ourselves, our lives, our roles and our purpose. We may never have learned how to put ourselves in others’ shoes, to listen well, or to consider ‘the greater good’. Because this IS something we need to be shown. We have to see what matters in a whole new perspective and EQ is how you’ll help your staff towards a better appreciation of their colleagues.

Many workers may tell you they have a problem with someone at their workplace.  The expensive fall out of our failure to communicate well is often  resignations, and grievances. And that’s not good for anyone involved.

So let’s get back to The Problem and how you’ll help your Teams get through it.

The simple solution is that The Problem isn’t The Problem,.  The Problem is how we think about and process our response to The Problem that’s the Problem.  Crack that Conversation Code and you’ve a fast growing Team who are attentive, appreciative and considerate of their colleagues.

And it doesn’t take much to make those changes in thinking.  Just a little prodding, pushing and provoking to new ways of looking at things.

For the past 13 years I have been working in a  busy HMP Education Department.

I’ve learnt how to respond to challenging individuals, to anticipate their reactions to my conversations and to look at how they see me and process my 1:1 interactions.

My purpose at work is to bring out the best in each of them.

My focus everyday is to  talk with grace and gratitude, to respect and listen with empathy and to ask questions that help me understand their world view.

When I understand them, I can be understood better.

(It’s not all plain sailing though– I still work with ego driven Officers who love what they do and who they are).

In the past few years I’ve delivered Mindfulness workshops at conferences, led workshops in schools, and created in-cell Mindfulness workbooks and Meditations  for our prisoners.

I’ve had experience of working in a tough place, and talking to tough men driven by ego, and their opinion of themselves and their success at dominating conversation outcomes.

Generally, that’s not worked with me. I’m solid on consistent consideration for others – no matter what ‘form’ they’ve got.

FAQS

Why is this relevant in today’s workplace?
Our current workplace is a melting pot of personalities.  Human Resource Departments oversee a record number of Grievances from staff stifled by poor communication channels. Emotional Intelligence is the way forward – helping colleagues communicate for the highest good of all concerned.

How is this part of CPD?
All staff are required to undertake continuous professional development and personal skills are a high priority to ensure smooth conversations. We communicate on so many levels and platforms each day – conscious and unconscious. Awareness and appreciation is the key to maintaining a strong bond within your Teams.