What communication skills will I need?
Cascasding information back to your home function is an essential part of being an SME. Here are some communication skills that are needed to succeed.
Cascading information back
As an SME, you have a lot of valuable knowledge and expertise. Sharing this information with your home function can help to keep them informed and engaged, and it can also help to improve the overall success of your project.
Here are some tips on how to cascade information back to your home function in a way that keeps them engaged:
- Be specific and targeted. Don't just send out a general update email. Instead, focus on sharing specific information that is relevant to your home function. For example, you could share a progress report on your project, or you could share some insights that you've gained from your work.
- Be timely. Make sure to share information as soon as it becomes available. This will help to keep your home function informed and involved in your project.
- Be clear and concise. When you're sharing information, be sure to be clear and concise. Avoid using jargon or technical language that your home function may not understand.
- Be visual. Use visuals, such as charts, graphs, and images, to help communicate your information in a clear and engaging way.
- Be interactive. Encourage your home function to ask questions and provide feedback. This will help to keep them engaged and involved in your project.
Here are some examples of how you can cascade information back to your home function:
- Weekly progress reports. Send out a weekly progress report to your home function that includes information on the status of your project, any challenges you're facing, and any next steps.
- Monthly team meetings. Schedule a monthly team meeting with your home function to discuss your project in more detail. This is a good opportunity to share your insights and recommendations, and to get feedback from your home function.
- One-on-one meetings. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your manager and other key stakeholders to discuss your project in more detail. This is a good opportunity to get feedback and to build relationships with your home function.
By following these tips, you can cascade information back to your home function in a way that keeps them engaged and informed. This can help to improve the overall success of your project.
What communication skills will I need to be a successful SME?
To be a successful SME, you will need a variety of communication skills, including:
- Active listening: Active listening is the ability to pay attention to what someone is saying, understand their perspective, and respond thoughtfully. This is important for building relationships.
- Clear and concise communication: When you are communicating with others, it is important to be clear and concise. Avoid using jargon or technical language that your audience may not understand.
- Persuasive communication: Persuasive communication is the ability to convince others of your point of view. This is important for pitching your ideas to other stakeholders.
- Empathetic communication: Empathetic communication is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. This is important for building rapport.
- Written communication: Strong written communication skills are essential for SMEs, as they will need to write emails, reports, and other documents on a regular basis.
Tips for improving your communication skills
Here are some tips for improving your communication skills as an SME:
- Practice active listening. When you are talking to someone, give them your full attention. Avoid interrupting and make eye contact. Ask clarifying questions to ensure that you understand what they are saying.
- Be clear and concise. When you are communicating with others, be clear and concise. Avoid using jargon or technical language that your audience may not understand.
- Be persuasive. When you are trying to convince others of your point of view, use facts and evidence to support your claims. Be passionate about your ideas and be confident in your ability to achieve your goals.
- Be empathetic. Try to understand the perspective of the people you are communicating with. Be sensitive to their needs and concerns.
- Improve your written communication skills. Proofread your emails and reports carefully before sending them. Ask a colleague or friend to review your work as well.
By developing your communication skills, you can become a more successful SME. You will be able to build stronger relationships. You will also be able to communicate your ideas more effectively and persuade others to support your goals.
What is psychological safety?
Psychological safety is the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. In teams, it refers to team members believing that they can take risks without being shamed by other team members.
Psychological safety is important because it creates an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback, even if they are different from the majority or if they are not fully formed. This can lead to better decision-making, more innovation, and a stronger team overall.
Psychological safety is not something that happens overnight. It takes time and effort to build. However, it is an investment that is well worth it. Teams with high psychological safety are more productive, innovative, and successful.
Psychological safety in action
Here are some examples of psychological safety in action:
- A team member feels comfortable sharing a new idea, even if it is different from what the team has done in the past.
- A team member feels comfortable asking clarifying questions, even if they feel like they should know the answer.
- A team member feels comfortable admitting a mistake, knowing that they will not be judged or punished.
- A team member feels comfortable challenging the status quo, knowing that their ideas will be considered fairly.
Leaders can play a big role in creating a psychologically safe environment. Here are some things that leaders can do:
- Be open to feedback and new ideas.
- Admit your own mistakes.
- Encourage team members to share their ideas and perspectives.
- Create a culture of respect and inclusion.
- Celebrate diversity of thought.
What are open conversations?
Open conversations are those in which both partners are willing to share their thoughts and feelings honestly and respectfully, even if they disagree. They are essential for building strong relationships and resolving conflict.
If you find it difficult to have open conversations, there are a few things you can do to practice. First, try talking to a trusted friend or family member about something that's on your mind. You can also try writing down your thoughts and feelings first. This can help you to process your emotions and to clarify what you want to say.
Once you feel more comfortable, you can start to have open conversations with other people in your life. Remember to be patient and to be respectful of the other person's feelings.
It's important to remember that open conversations can be challenging. They may require you to step outside of your comfort zone and to vulnerable. However, they are essential for building strong and healthy relationships.
Top tips for having open conversations
Top tips for having open conversations:
- Choose the right time and place. Find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted, and make sure you have enough time to talk.
- Start by stating your intention. Let the other person know that you want to have an open and honest conversation.
- Be specific. Don't beat around the bush. Get to the point of what you want to talk about.
- Use "I" statements. This will help you to communicate your thoughts and feelings without blaming or accusing the other person.
- Listen actively. Pay attention to what the other person is saying, and try to understand their perspective.
- Be respectful. Even if you disagree, avoid personal attacks and name-calling.
- Be open to compromise. It's unlikely that you'll agree on everything, but be willing to find a solution that works for both of you.
Here are some additional tips:
- Ask open-ended questions. This shows that you're interested in what the other person has to say and that you're willing to listen to their point of view.
- Avoid judgment. Everyone has different experiences and beliefs. Try to understand the other person's perspective, even if you don't agree with it.
- Be honest and authentic. Don't try to be someone you're not. The other person will appreciate your honesty and sincerity.
What is constructive feedback?
Constructive feedback is specific, helpful, and actionable advice that is intended to help someone improve. It is given in a respectful and supportive way, and it focuses on the person's behaviour, not their personality.
Here is an example of constructive feedback:
Instead of: "Your presentation was boring."
Try: "Your presentation was informative, but it would have been more engaging if you had used more visuals and told stories."
Instead of: "You're not a good writer."
Try: "Your writing is clear and concise, but you could improve your grammar and punctuation."
Instead of: "You're always late to work."
Try: "I've noticed that you've been late to work a few times recently. Is there anything I can do to help you get here on time?"
Constructive feedback can be difficult to give and receive, but it is an essential skill for building strong and productive relationships. By following these tips, you can learn to give and receive feedback in a way that is helpful and respectful.
Tips for giving and receiving constructive feedback
Tips for giving constructive feedback:
- Be specific. Don't just say "good job" or "needs improvement." Explain what the person did well and what they could improve on.
- Be helpful. Offer suggestions for how the person can improve. Don't just criticize.
- Be actionable. Make sure your feedback is something that the person can actually do something about.
- Be respectful. Avoid personal attacks and name-calling.
- Be supportive. Let the person know that you believe in them and that you want to help them succeed.
Tips for receiving constructive feedback:
- Be open to feedback. Remember that feedback is a gift. It's an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Listen actively. Pay attention to what the person is saying, and try to understand their perspective.
- Don't take it personally. Feedback is about your behaviour, not your personality.
- Ask clarifying questions. If you don't understand something, ask the person to explain it further.
- Thank the person for their feedback. Let them know that you appreciate their time and effort.
Other useful skills
As an SME, you will need a variety of soft skills as well as the communication skills already mentioned, including:
- Teamwork: SMEs often work with small teams, so it is important to be able to collaborate effectively with others. This means being able to share ideas, give and receive feedback, and work towards common goals.
- Problem-solving: SMEs often face unexpected challenges, so it is important to be able to think critically and solve problems effectively. This means being able to identify problems, gather information, develop and evaluate solutions, and implement the best solution.
- Adaptability: In projects change is constant, so it is important for SMEs to be adaptable. This means being able to learn new things quickly and adjust to new situations.
- Resilience: SMEs often face setbacks, so it is important to be resilient. This means being able to bounce back from setbacks and continue working towards your goals.