Top 5 Communication Skills

I was sitting at the computer working when the tweets and emails started, “Cleveland job bank operator top 5 communication skillsKelly Blazek shamed after brutal rejection letters go viral.” I have to admit that the same thought came over me when Miley Cyrus started twerking Robin Thicke at the 2013 MTV music video awards, “OH NO SHE DID NOT!” Miley told millions of young budding girls in one act that whore behavior is the new norm. Kelly told millions of job seekers in one email communication that they are scum that should never feel comfortable to reach out to an HR Practitioner. This might be a good time to remind all of us of the top 5 communication skills:

Confidence – Individuals will be respectful of you and you will mirror the respect towards them. Exuding confidence begins with direct eye contact and unwavering conversation.
Empathy – Once again, remain respectful within conversations, even when you disagree with someone.
Friendliness – be personable with your face-to-face communications, along with your emails. The best way to be friendly is include feedback such as, “Enjoy your weekend or hope you are having a good week.”
Open-Mindedness – This is having the capability to listen to the other individual’s point of view in order to keep the communication lines open and have effective conversations, even with the individuals you do not agree with at times.
Respect – In all honesty, the one skill that will earn someone’s respect every single time is being a good listener. When you listen to someone, you are able to implement all 5 communication skills.

I have been very lucky to work with individuals over the past 20 years that exhibited these top 5 communication skills in their daily interactions at work. Of course, there were a handful of Miley’s and Kelly’s that raised the eyebrow to the “OH NO SHE DID NOT” levels. But, overall I watched and learned from the best in order to maintain a high level of professionalism when dealing with individuals inside and outside the workplace. I cannot speak for everyone, but being an HR Practitioner is like a call to duty from the President of the United States. Represent well, or, STEP DOWN and allow a real professional to STEP UP.

If Kelly Blazek can receive a Communicator of the Year award, maybe Miley Cyrus should receive a Nun of the Year award? The sky is purple, right?

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