Tips on Professional Communication with Peers and Supervisors

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In school and in the workplace, it can be tricky to know how to talk to others. Having good communication skills can help you succeed no matter where you are. In the workplace, it’s important to speak with your peers and supervisors in a professional manner. Making friends at work will help you to love your job. Having a friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel comfortable and excited to come into work. However, it’s important to stay professional while in the workplace.

Here are some tips to communicating with peers and supervisors:

  • Don’t joke around too much in front of customers.
  • Avoid talking too much.
  • Check if others are uncomfortable. Some people may not like your jokes or slang.
  • Be neutral at work.
  • Only tell your supervisor about a problem if you can’t solve it.
  • If someone is doing something against the rules, tell your supervisor.
  • Avoid gossiping about others.
  • Don’t swear or share too many personal things, even if your boss does.
  • Don’t get angry at work.

Read the following scenario of someone communicating with their peers. Then, answer the following questions.

Owen can’t stand his new co-worker. They laugh too loud and put gum on the counter. Owen stays quiet and doesn’t sit with him at lunch. He is polite to everyone.

1. Answer the following questions.
a) If you don’t get along with your co-worker you should:
○ A Tell your boss.
○ B Be polite.
○ C Get in an argument.
b) What should you tell your co-workers about?
○ A Your pets.
○ B Your last medical test.
○ C Your credit card debt.

Read the following scenario of someone communicating with their supervisor. Then, answer the following questions.

Mia's boss makes a lot of jokes. She swears at lunch and is always texting. Mia thought about using her phone during her shift. She decided not to. Two months later, she got a raise!

2. Answer the questions with either TRUE or FALSE.
a) You should be best friends with your boss.      TRUE   FALSE
b) If your boss swears, you should too.          TRUE   FALSE
c) A good boss can make the job great!          TRUE   FALSE
d) Always tell your boss your problems.          TRUE   FALSE

Answers for the above questions are: 1. a) B; b) A; 2. a) FALSE; b) FALSE; c) TRUE; d) FALSE

Click here for a printable version of this activity.

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