How do you show your co-workers the importance of communication in the workplace?
"I show my co-workers the importance of communication in the workplace simply from leading by example. I set the tone and expectations for how we should communicate by utilizing all forms of written, verbal and interpersonal communications to a tee."
"Many customer service issues stem from poor communication. When we have a customer dispute, I work with my team to explore other alternatives. We often role play and discuss ways that we could have reacted better. This practice has greatly improved our customer reviews."
"I show the importance of communication through a team building exercise that I like to use, whenever possible. Some of my favorite team building exercises include taking my team out for lunches, holding office trivia, and creating physical goal-setting roadmaps."
"As a sales professional, our inter-office communication means more sales and happier clients. The analytics don't lie! I encourage my team to communicate even the details that seem minute. These details can help us to upsell or gain further insight into our clients' current pain points."
"When we communicate the needs and struggles of our students, between teachers, it helps everyone to be more successful. I am sure to always fill my faculty in on students who may be struggling with a particular subject. We can then gather to make a game plan that benefits the student."
"In marketing, we have to communicate every small detail of our projects. I encourage this with my team by asking everyone to use Trello, a project management app that tracks our progress and needs, every step of the way. It's like web-based sticky notes!"
The interviewer would like to know that you lead by example when it comes to communication in the workplace. Breakdown of communication in a business setting can have dire effects on the profitability of an organization. This effect is why it is essential, as a leader, to understand that 'telling' and 'showing' are two very different things when it comes to proper communication. Give examples of how you put dialogue into action in the workplace.
"I show my co-workers the importance of communication through my willingness to ask questions if I do not understand the first time. I do not pretend to know something to save face. By creating an environment where questions are encouraged, we have increased communication greatly, and have seen a healthier safety record as a result."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I see what they like. Some like to communicate by email; some like to communicate in person.
Rachelle's Feedback
I would recommend a more personable answer rather than leaning on the logistics of communication. I have added an example, below.
"I communicate the needs and struggles of our students through in-person conversations or emails; depending on the teacher's communication preference. I am sure always to make myself available to make a plan of action that will benefit our students."
Anonymous Answer
Communication is the most important aspect of any businesses. It is essential to have a proper work environment, so as an employee, we can have the best performance working as a team also working as independently. I do show my co-workers the importance of communication from merely leading by example. I set the tone and expectations for how we should communicate by utilizing all forms of written, verbal, and interpersonal connections to a tee.
Lauren's Feedback
Great response. I suggest explaining your personal communication style which then relates to the overall environment. See below.
In many aspects, I lead by example. I present myself in the manner I would like to be treated and spoken to. I have strengths in nonverbal, verbal, and written communication. I believe a healthy, strong, and thriving work environment relies heavily on the communication of the team, and I make conscious effort to contribute to the culture in a positive way.
Anonymous Answer
The way I show my co-workers the importance of communication is I bring up the topic in meetings. I discuss how by using the chain of command, everyone is informed of the changes that are happening around us. I also use some examples of where projects may fail if the communication is not in place among the stakeholders and our resources.
Rachelle's Feedback
Both of these approaches are smart and well thought out. Good response!
Anonymous Answer
Good communication is key for good conference organization. I make sure to forward to my colleagues all emails containing relevant information and compile daily programs for them. I pick the communications style according to the situation, and the people I am discussing with; sometimes, a phone call or a short coffee meeting can be more welcomed than a written email, in particular when there can be questions or details to clarify. In those cases, I make sure to write a short email, to sum up the points discussed during the phone call.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a great answer! You show a keen ability to adapt your communication style by person and situation. Well done. I have revised slightly for flow and clarity.
"Good communication is the key to executing a good conference. I forward to my colleagues all emails containing relevant information and compile daily programs for them. I pick my communication style according to the situation, and the people with which I am communicating. Sometimes, a phone call or a short coffee meeting is more welcomed than a written email, in particular when there are finer details to clarify. In those cases, I make sure to write a short follow-up email, to sum up the points discussed during the phone call."
Anonymous Answer
I see communication is essential for business and personal relationships. I would like to know people's preference for how they want to communicate by email or in person. I will encourage team-building exercises.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are all excellent ways to encourage communication in the workplace. Good ideas!
"I see communication as very important for building business and personal relationships. To encourage clear communication, I like to get to know how others prefer to communicate, be it email or in person. I also encourage team-building exercises to ensure everyone has the same goal in mind."
Anonymous Answer
When a topic or situation has not been brought up or discussed as thoroughly as I think it should be, I will not hesitate to bring it up in the conversation. No observation should go unacknowledged, regardless of whether or not it's an elephant in the room.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great! Effective communication promotes collaboration among the team and a more pleasant work environment. You could also include aspects of communication like active listening, nonverbal communication, interpersonal skills, confidence, respect, body language, etc.
Unlock all 20 Communication questions
Prepare for behavioral questions that reveal how you handle difficult conversations.
Get Started