Bosses, managers and customers do not like to hear NO or their ideas being countered.Such tricky situations need to be dealt deftly and with extreme care.Let us review some key communication strategies that will help you win and shine at the workplace.Get the full background contextTeam members are usually too quick to jump to conclusions and respond full steam without knowing the full context or the WHY of the situation at hand.
They have an opinion or feel they know better and just get going saying – this is not how it’s meant to be done!Never do that!If you have a good idea that will empower the situation at hand.
Always share what you would like to discuss and why and ask for a slot where the boss or customer can give you their full attention.This way you also have an opportunity to prepare well for the meeting.If possible, share your plan with all the details e.g.Supporting data, reports or metricsHow you wish to handle itWhat benefits would the shift in approach bring to the tableAny possible cost or effort savingsMake a simple and short presentation if possible and share before the meeting to pick their interest and set the tone for a more meaningful discussion.Bring multiple solutionsIt is not required that you have to agree with everything your boss or customer say or plan.
But then, they are your key stakeholders and their inputs/decisions matter.They will have an impact on the project on your career whether you like it or not.Hence, responding to a problem with another problem or inability, reservations to follow their plan is highly detrimental at the workplace.Moreover it will affect your project success adversely.The key is to always swim in the solutions pool rather than the problems.Focus on all possible solutions you can think of.
That’s a starter!Now, when you have a disgruntled customer at your hand, first empathize his pain.
Understand how the current situation has caused displeasure for him.