Behavior that can actually make conflict even bigger

When management recognizes conflict, it exposes a tipping point: to one side is increased opportunity to enhance corporate communication practices; and to the other is a hardening of the conflict into expensive Us versus Them activity.

Read about how to almost always cause the balance to move toward greater communication skills acumen and employee productivity.

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Simple Communication Techniques

Communication skills training may merit consideration if you feel your message is not being effectively sent or received. Or, you can use these few simple techniques for more effective communication:

• Listen to how the other person structures their messages. Is it Linear, Tactical, Strategic or Impressionistic? Try to frame your message in their style
• Listen to word choice. Is it Traditional, Colloquial, Precise or Global? Use their language. We tend to resonate and listen more closely to people who "speak our language"
• Ask yourself, what is the receiver's level of knowledge of the subject, their experience, or bias? Then tailor your message to meet their needs
• Ask for feedback. Complete the cycle and check for understanding.

Most importantly adapt to the needs of your receiver. Remember we all give it the way we like it!

Managing Virtual & Remote Teams: What Works and What Does Not?

In today's dispersed world, almost every high powered team has an important virtual component.

The day-to-day challenges faced by teams that work together at the same location are well documented.

But issues teams encounter with remote or telecommuting members add an additional layer of complexity.

Remote team dynamics are greatly compounded by reliance upon more complex communication technologies as well as by the need to bridge time, geographic, and cultural differences.

Take steps to ensure adequate problem solving training resources are in place and don't let these challenges impede the success of your virtual teams and remote teams.