What 3 pieces of advice would you offer a new employee that you are supervising, who has problems with his/her written and oral communication on the job? (Think about what you have read, discussed, and experienced in both Business Communication I and Business Communication II when constructing your advice.)
The first piece of advise I would offer would be to read Munter’s Guide to Managerial Communication: Effective Writing and Speaking. This is a standard and fundamental guide that every person should read, especially those of the younger generation that grew up instant messaging, texting, and otherwise side stepping or avoiding conventional conversation.
The second piece of advice would be to find a business leader/manager/colleague whose communication style you admire and take parts of that style to hone your own. I think this is effective especially as an entry level employee with limited experience. For instance, for a shy worker he/she may want to observe a colleague who is gregarious and outspoken and see how that person handles meetings and speaking with managers. There is always something to learn from another person.
Finally, I would advise taking a communications course. My firm offers email writing and leadership/communications classes which we have referred a number of staff members to. These courses can be very helpful in identifying weak areas and strengthening them. As with anything, practice and experience makes perfect.
