A520.3.5.RB - Supportive Communication

Supportive communication is effective when trying to communicate with others.  It can help to establish a feeling of trust and caring for the other individuals.  As discussed in several class discussion postings this week, supportive communication requires listening and having a two-way communication established. 

There are several suggested guidelines highlighted in Developing Management Skills.  One that I believe is important is to demonstrate supportive listening.  This can be more difficult than initially anticipated.  I know I find it difficult at times when I am trying to listen and show the speaker that I am listening, and then I end up not paying attention because I am too focused on trying to listen.  There is definitely a balance to listening, as you don’t want to focus too much on how much you look like you are listening.  While it’s important to communicate to the person communicating that you care and are paying attention, being able to ask questions in return or establish active conversation about the topic can be more beneficial and interactive.  Doing this will show that not only are you listening, but you are thinking about it and applying it to different situations.  In a sense, you are taking the speaker seriously.

I also think it is important to use specific statements, rather than broad global statements.  Using statements that are global can make the other person feel inadequate because they are unable to make a change because it is out of their hands.  Making statements that directly affects them can be a positive tool for supportive communication.   I know there were times in my workplace where we were given advice or suggestions that were out of our capabilities to change.  We were unable to adapt because the statements were not specific to our workplace and abilities.  Providing feedback that is relevant can create a more streamline communication tool that can effectively produce changes in a positive manner. 

Using validating statements that acknowledge the other person’s importance is also an important guideline for supportive communication.  It’s difficult to feel like your work is appreciated sometimes, but when you are acknowledge, or even just recognized for doing something, can really lift up the other individuals.  At my previous work, there was a lot of self-doubt amongst the employees because they never heard anything positive, only negative responses to how the company was doing.  Sometimes taking some time out of your day to point out something great that someone did can really benefit that individual. 

Whetten, D. A., & Cameron, K. S. (2011). Developing management skills (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.