Articles Library: Team Effectiveness
Tips For Magnetic Teams: Five Critical Communication “Don’t’s”…
1. Don’t spoil teamwork by a habit of judging others.
This involves making a negative evaluation of the other person, his/her actions, or attitudes. (“You brought this on yourself. You have no one to blame for the mess you’re in.”)
2. Avoid stereotyping and name calling.
(“What a jerk!” “Just like a woman!” “You ___ are all alike!”)
3. Don’t play amateur psychologist, diagnosing and analyzing why a person is behaving as he/she is.
(“I can read you like a book. You are just doing that to irritate me.” “Just because you went to college, you think you are better than I am.” “I think you have trouble dealing with women in authority.”)
4. Don’t use threats, direct or implied.
This involves trying to control the other’s actions by warning of negative consequences that you will instigate or that will happen otherwise. (“You’ll do it or else…” “You’ll be sorry…”)
5. Don’t use platitudes or empty reassurance when someone shares an issue of concern with you.
(“Well, every cloud has a silver lining. You just need to look for it.” “You know what they say. ‘Stuff’ happens!” “Don’t worry. It’s always darkest before the dawn.” “Everything happens for a reason.”)
Dr. Bev Smallwood is a psychologist and professional speaker who is the author of “This Wasn’t Supposed to Happen to Me.” Visit her website, www.DrBevSmallwood.com; or contact Bev at 601.264.0890 or by email, Bev@DrBevSmallwood.com. Also connect with Bev on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and her blogs, Shrink Rap and New Morning Devotionals.