From an early age we are taught how to present and to speak better—whether it be debate classes in high school, or Toastmasters sessions as adults, there is a big emphasis in our professional world to be better communicators.
However, the art of communication indeed requires both the sending and receiving of information, and when was the last time we learned how to listen better?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, communication is defined as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.
The importance of listening skills in our post pandemic, remote, digital world is even more important as teams are dispersed across different time zones.
Artisan Creative has been remote for 11 years— and as a remote team we continually work on becoming better communicators with one another, as well as with our clients and candidates.
In fact, Clear and Open Communication as well as Building Trusted Relationships are two of our core values. And, for us embodying listening best practices in all forms of communication is paramount to embracing our core values.
Last month, the Artisan Creative team read the book “You Are Not Listening: What you are missing and Why it matters” by Kate Murphy. Her studies reinforce and support our efforts as a team to continue to learn, grow and improve together. Several of our team members are members of Toastmasters to seek new ways to communicate better as well as utilize improved listening techniques and communication skills in our internal and external processes.
The author explores quite a few fascinating studies on listening. Specifically, that 55% of communication is non-verbal. 55%! And that 38% of that nonverbal communication is communicated in our tone of voice.
What are we missing in that 55% when we can’t see or hear the recipient? What are we missing without seeing people and noticing expressions, body language and gestures? What happens when we don’t hear intonations and tone?
Digital communication has incredible benefits, there is no disputing how it has allowed for immediate connection, the ability to have remote teams, and to expand productivity and immediacy of action.
What is the potential impact of non-verbal digital communication (Slack, WhatsApp, email and social media) on culture, morale and connection?
It’s important to set parameters to determine the type of conversations we need to have and which conversations are okay via Slack; which require a phone call, and when is it best to hop on Zoom. On our team, we avoid long-winded texts/slacks to explain something—we set up a video call, pick up the phone, send a voice memo, or better still, record a Loom video as needed.
How are you incorporating more connection and listening in your digital communication? Please comment below.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our 601st a.blog.