Interdepartmental Communication Skills

1. Be prepared before communication

Before we ask colleagues from other departments to discuss things, don't ask without preparation, otherwise you won't get what you want, and you can be prepared to deal with the variables in communication:

What do you want the other party to do for you?
What do you think he will ask you to do?
If the other party does not agree with what you have proposed, is there any other option?
If there is no consensus between the two parties, what are the consequences for you? What are the consequences for the other party?

2. Know the "language" of other departments

Poor inter-departmental communication is often caused by "language barriers".For example, the technical department usually speaks the "same language", and they are very aware of the rules, goals and expectations of their department.Similarly, departments such as finance and human resources also have their own language and opinions.Therefore, in order to communicate smoothly, the premise is to "understand each other's language".

Does this help the performance of the business department?
If I were him, would I accept this practice?
Does this method really work?

3. Being open and honest is the best solution

In the company, you are dealing with colleagues who need to work together for a long time, not a one-shot deal. Therefore, honesty is the best policy in everything, and it is best to avoid deceit, conceal facts, and destroy trust.Once there is a lack of trust between departments, it will increase each other's defenses, and there will be reservations in communication, and even some important information will be hidden.

Don't explain what's wrong;
Don't argue
Don't interrupt each other;
Smile and then smile;

4. Present facts and focus on central issues

The best way to focus a communication is to present concrete facts, directing people to focus quickly on the central issue and reducing undue speculation.Facts can minimize the "human" element of the communication process.

5. Ensure that the communication information is correct

When you have communicated across departments on a project or issue, be sure to clearly communicate the latest progress and information to the project team.In many cases, the matters decided in the inter-departmental meeting must be handed over to the front-line personnel of each department for implementation. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that all information is communicated correctly, so as not to greatly compromise the consensus that was finally reached.

Repeat the main points of the communication to the other party;
Use clarification to bring up the content that is not clear;
Try not to interrupt the other party when talking about key issues;

6. Use humor

Humor can be used as a communication buffer or as a defense mechanism.When you have to present facts that may offend others, or communicate difficult information, convey it in a light-hearted or humorous way, which is more likely to save the other person's face and facilitate positive communication.

Do not talk about each other's family;
Do not attack personally;
Do not involve sensitive topics of the organization;
Have a degree of humor, stop when you click;