Communications

This section will cover essential communication skills needed in the workplace, at home, and when interacting with other people.

What is communication?

1 What Is Communication.mp4

Communication is how we share what we think, feel, or need—

—whether with words, actions, or even silence. It's how we connect with people.

Take a quick quiz to see what you already know!

This is a quick quiz designed to test your knowledge before completing the training. It will not impact your ability to become an MSR member, but it will show you what you've learned at the end of the training. Please complete the following form by clicking "next" to go to each question. When you are finished answering, click submit. You will then see which questions you answered correctly.

Then scroll down to complete the training.

There are many types of communication that allow people to contact one another. Read below and watch the videos to learn more about why good communication is important.

Types of Communication

Why Is Communication Important?

"Communication - the human connection - is they key to personal and career success"

-Paul J Meyer

Author on motivation, time management, and personal & professional development

Benefits of Good Communication

3 Benefits of Good Communication Final.mp4

What are some reasons why good communication is important?

Increased teamwork while at work
Everybody understands the goals clearly
Early identification of problems (letting advisors know that there is an issue at work)
Openness/being comfortable with talking to people
Better relationships with family at home and with colleagues at work
Respect of others

Communication Conflict

Why do people have communication problems?

How do we solve those problems?

4 Communication Conflict.mp4

Common Causes of Conflict

Miscommunication
Differing values of beliefs
Competition for resources
Personality clashes
Unclear roles or responsibilities

Activity Break: Have you ever had a communication conflict? How did you resolve this?

Click the "plus" button to make a new post. Also reply to another person.

Conflict Management

How can conflict between two people be resolved?

Allow time for cooling down
Leave the person alone for some time
Analyze the situation
Recognize the existence of the problem
State the problem to the other person
Speak in a calm and respectful manner
Listen without interrupting
Try to understand from the other person's view
State your feelings without blaming
Brainstorm solutions that accommodate both people
Creativity in problem solving
Forgiveness

The biggest communication problem is that we do

not listen to understand. We listen to reply.

Manners and Behavior for the Workplace & MSR Office

Social Behaviors

The way you act towards others.

Manners

Having polite social behavior.

Etiquette

The rules of polite behavior among members of a particular group (workplace etiquette).

6 Manners and Behavior for the Workplace Overview.mp4

Workplace Etiquette

The workplace is a formal setting where you are an employee at a company. While at work, it is important to follow workplace etiquette. You are responsible for fulfilling the tasks the company asks of you and in return for good work, the company is responsible for your compensation.

7 Applying to the Job.mp4

Workplace Manners Applying to the Job

Appearance: Dress nicely, be clean and presentable
Awareness: Are they busy? Are they even hiring? Do they look mad or frustrated with work?
Greeting/Approachability: Friendly, welcoming, helpful (not a burden)
Politeness: Using words such as "excuse me", "please", and "thank you"
Confidence
Other: Tone of voice, language, eye contact, loudness, etc.

8 At the Job.mp4

Workplace Manners At the Job

Good appearance
Politeness
Being on time (Show up 15 minutes earlier than requested)
Good communication & conflict management
Turn your phone on vibrate, silent, or off completely
Don't complain
Proper language
Be aware of cultural differences

Extra Tips

Be helpful
Learn and do more than what is expected of you!

Final Check!

This is a quick quiz designed to test your knowledge after completing the training. It will not impact your ability to become an MSR member, but it will show you what you've learned at the end of the training. Please complete the following form by clicking "next" to go to each question. When you are finished answering, click submit. You will then see which questions you answered correctly.

This is the last portion of the communications training.