Women in business face many challenges. Total sexual equality in the workplace has not yet been achieved, and there are still many other obstacles to overcome in today’s modern world. But one of the best things that women in business can do, especially in leadership positions is to make sure that the channels of communication are open, and that there is more than one way to achieve this.
Old Fashioned Still Works
For some, the old ways are still the most effective ways, and this means keeping an “open door policy,” so that people know they can come to you directly and address their concerns face to face. Live communication between employers and employees can still be one of the best ways to interact if it is done with honesty, respect, and compassion. If employees suspect that you don’t want to talk to them, they won’t want to talk to you.
Sometimes, however, these lines of communication aren’t always available, if only because the people aren’t in the same office. That’s when other, older forms of communication might still be important, such as phone calls. While it’s true we don’t often use our smartphones for verbal communication, remember, that’s what they are theoretically there for!
The New Ways Work Too
Some people may be more comfortable with other, less personally confrontational forms of communication, and that’s fine too! Everyone has a different style. Email, text messages, inter-office communication software like Slack, and other chat programs can all be very effective ways for you and other people at work to keep in touch.
In some cases, these communication channels may be very important since they can preserve communication, especially for work-related discussions, or in the need to resolve a dispute.
And always remember to take thing slow when you can! Cultivate mindfulness at the office with a little bit of meditation, using Mala prayer beads, or any other tool that can help you regain your center when things feel hectic.
Leave a Reply