Page 38 - Learner Guide - BSBCMM201 - Communicate in the workplace.doc

Communicate in the workplace

• Never criticise or complain in public – Criticizing a colleague, client or manager
in public will look unprofessional. Individual problems must be dealt in private.
• Use technology applicably – Maintain a civil tone in the communications. Think
again before clicking the send button. Never clutter the receiver’s mail box.
• Reduce interruptions to others – Always check before entering the room. And if
someone barges into the room, politely ask them to get back at the given
specific time.
• Never delay the requests and questions – Unnecessary delays will upset others. Be
cooperative when someone relies at your information.
• Leave a signed note – When leaving/taking something on/from a co-worker’s
desk, always leave a signed note. Ensure to return items when you are done with
them.
• Most basic yet important are to use the words - please and thank you when
required.
• Respect each other and beware of office gossip.

5.3 Trust

Trust is believing or having confidence in someone. Trust is important in the
workplace too. Employees must trust the manager to pay at the end of the week or
month, and in-turn manager trusts employees to complete the targeted work.

5.4 Individual differences

People at workplace are with different cultural backgrounds. Hence, knowing about
the differences between cultures will help to act sensitively and courteously to
everyone. Important points that need to be considered are:

• Customs: Few cultures can or cannot have specific foods and drinks and may
also have specific rules on how the food is prepared.
• Social values: Know about appropriate social and sexual behaviour, work ethics,
wealth and personal growth that vary among different cultures.
• Dress: Few cultures have specific clothing such as headscarves or turbans that
are worn always.
• Family obligations: Few cultures have high family priorities that may sometimes
conflict with work.
• Religious practices: Few religions require time for prayer during the work or time
off for special religious days.
• Non-verbal behaviour: Eye contact, facial expressions, hand gestures and how
people interpret them will vary among different cultures.

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