communication |
The process of sending and receiving messages via various mediums. Communication involves both transferring a message and ensuring that the message is received and fully understood by the receiver. |
conflict resolution |
The practice of intervening to eliminate potentially damaging or unhealthy conflict. |
conflict stimulation |
The practice of encouraging conflict to motivate employees to change when necessary. Conflict stimulation helps to keep a company or team from stagnating. |
congruence |
The degree to which types of communication match. For effective nonverbal communication, the verbal message and nonverbal cues must match. |
deciphering |
The process of decoding a message to gain an understanding of its meaning. Deciphering is typically the second step involved in listening to a message. |
editing |
The process of modifying a written message to clarify or correct message content. A sender edits a written message to ensure that the message content and tone match the original intention. |
empathetic listening |
A method of listening that involves understanding both the content of a message as well as the intent of the sender and the circumstances under which the message is given. |
hearing |
A passive activity that requires only partial awareness of noise with no intent to respond. Listening is often inaccurately associated with hearing. |
listening |
An active activity that involves receiving, deciphering, and perceiving a message with intent to respond. Planning ahead for a conversation improves a receiver's ability to listen to a message. |
medium |
The means used to convey the message to the receiver. The most commonly used mediums for communication include verbal, nonverbal, and written communication. |
mission statement |
A clearly stated set of goals. A team must have a mission statement to operate effectively. |
nonverbal communication |
A medium for communication that entails using cues via body language to convey message content. Facial expressions, body gestures, and voice intonation are forms of nonverbal communication. |
perceiving |
The process of focusing on message content as well as sender tone to gauge an appropriate response to a message. Perceiving is typically the third step involved in listening to a message. |
proximity |
A measure of nearness to a person, place, or idea. A sender's physical proximity to a receiver of a message impacts nonverbal communication. |
receiver |
The person for whom the sender intends a message. The receiver is responsible for listening to, understanding, and responding to the message. |
receiving |
The process of hearing and remembering a message. Receiving is typically the first step involved in listening to a message. |
sender |
The originator of the message. The sender transfers the message to the receiver. |
snail mail |
Mail delivered by a postal system. Snail mail is a form of written communication. |
verbal communication |
A medium for communication that entails talking using the spoken word, such as talking face-to-face, on a telephone, or as a speech. |
written communication |
A medium for communication that entails the written word. Letters, emails, and manuals are forms of written communication. |