Communication Value Creation: 13 Proven Strategies to Add Value to Your Work Conversations

How can you elevate your work discussions to make them more impactful? Being a good communicator isn’t just about talking; it’s about creating value. Whether you’re navigating crisis management, everyday interactions, or setting the stage for future successes, it’s important to consider how you can create real value.

Discover 13 effective techniques for value creation in workplace interactions that go beyond the typical advice of active listening, empathy, and asking open ended questions.

VALUE CREATION IN CLARITY

1. Aligning on the Problem Statement

A major website went down, and the client is anything but calm. Here’s where Vicki shines. By simply asking, “Let’s take a moment. I want to solve this problem and get the website running again. Do you?” she reframes the conversation from reactive to proactive. She helps calm down a heated client while also shifting the focus from the problem to the solution.

That way she changed the conversation tone and took a step back from the brink of confrontation. Clarity and focus are key, ensuring that all parties are aligned on the problem statement, thus setting the stage for effective problem-solving.

2. Clarifying Assumptions with Hard Questions

Assumptions can be the silent killers of productivity. Don’t kill your opportunities: here’s how to avoid assumptions that hold you back. I used to think my team member preferred handling one task at a time, so I have her one task at a time. One day before leaving for vacation, I handed her a large to do list, she said, “Thank you, I feel a lot more motivated and efficient with larger lists of tasks. When I only have one task at a time, I work slowly so that I won’t be out of work.”

It’s easy to assume. Only when I finally voiced my desire for more involvement in stakeholder meetings was my assumption that my manager didn’t want competition overturned, leading to increased responsibilities and opportunities.

Ask hard, direct questions that challenge assumptions, paving the way for a deeper understanding and preventing potential misunderstandings. Unlock team communication, here’s 14 questions leaders must ask. For example,

• What are your priorities right now?
• What are you really concerned about? Is it your job, your promotion, or something else?
• Help me understand the real reason you missed the deadline. Were you afraid of letting me know, or was there another reason?
• How did my behavior affect you and make you feel?
• What do I do that does not contribute to your engagement and productivity?

Ask hard, direct questions that challenge assumptions.

3. Clarifying Expectations

Nothing derails a conversation or a project faster than unclear expectations. Whether it’s defining the scope of work or understanding the roles in a team, clarity is king. The discomfort of miscommunication and work inefficiencies greatly out way the discomfort of setting expectations.

The discomfort of miscommunication and work inefficiencies greatly out way the discomfort of setting expectations.

My team was in chaos, bombarded with unclear and urgent demands from the sales team. By taking the time to define and communicate expectations clearly across all levels within the sales team, I was able to align team efforts and reduce both communication and process inefficiencies, ensuring that everyone was moving towards the same goals with a clear understanding of their roles. Here are 3 ways confident communicators seek clarity.

4. Being Direct

Directness in communication is more believable and fosters transparency and efficiency. My manager once suggested that I needed to develop a tougher skin to handle direct feedback otherwise people would not be honest with me. That was the moment I realized I needed to manage my sensitivity.

Be straightforward in your communication to enhance understanding and reducing potential misinterpretations. Explore how to move beyond confidence to demonstrate conviction to elevate your professional presence.

5. Speaking in a Firm Definitive Tone

Every year, I offered 10 discounted airline tickets to friends and family, a benefit that turned me into an inadvertent travel agent for a friend who overwhelmed me with requests. Initially, my gentle nudges to decide were ignored, leading to constant calls and messages. Realizing I needed to assert my boundaries, I firmly told her, “You have two more chances to run simulations, and you must decide by this date.”

This clear, definitive stance halted the requests. I learned the importance of speaking in a firm and direct way to command respect and prevent misunderstandings. Here’s how to speak boldly with 15 mantras for guaranteed confidence boost.

VALUE CREATION IN THE RELATIONSHIP

6. Building on Ideas

Have you ever worked with someone who seemed to take everything as a personal attack? I once had a coworker where every discussion felt like stepping into a battlefield. To navigate this, I adopted the “yes and” technique. Whenever he presented an idea, instead of directly opposing it, I’d start with, “Yes, you’re right about this aspect,” and then gently add, “and what if we also consider this?”

The “yes and” instead of the “no but” not only acknowledged his input but also built upon it, creating a more collaborative dialogue. It moved us from confrontation to constructive conversation, where ideas were expanded upon instead of shot down. Do the same to further add value to the conversation and the relationship.

7. Maintaining Confidentiality

Once a leader felt stuck because she couldn’t share sensitive information with her team. She was worried it might leak, which held her back from tapping into her team’s full problem-solving capabilities. It’s a tough spot to be in, needing the insights but fearing the breach of trust.

That’s why it’s so important to foster an environment where privacy is respected. When team members feel secure that sensitive information won’t be mishandled, it not only builds trust but also empowers everyone to collaborate more effectively and safely solve problems together.

8. Self-Disclosing Relevant Information

Self-disclosure can significantly improve relationships and create value in conversations. Once I was traveling in China with a friend who’s quite outspoken. It was my birthday, and I had my own ideas about how to celebrate. These ideas that were very different from hers. Tensions escalated, and we couldn’t see eye to eye, leading to a big argument and us splitting up for the next few days. I indulged in some Kungfu shows and a relaxing massage, while she went her own way.

It wasn’t until later that I realized the root of our conflict: I had never mentioned it was my birthday or how important it was for me to plan the day. She simply thought I was being stubborn. Sharing personal feelings or important details can bridge understanding and strengthen connections, preventing unnecessary conflicts and adding value to the relationship

9. Explaining Consequences

Offering positive or negative consequences can be a powerful motivator. When I was 16 and dragging my feet on my university applications, my mom checked in on me three times. Each time, my response was the same: “I haven’t started yet.”

Finally, she laid it out for me in no uncertain terms: “There’s a submission deadline. You might encounter unexpected delays, so better start soon. I won’t remind you again, and I’m not going to do it for you. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be going to that school. It’s all on you.”

Her clear communication of the consequences really kicked me into gear. It was the moment I realized that my actions (or lack thereof) had real-world impacts, and that lesson in accountability wasn’t just about college applications, it’s something I’ve carried with me into the professional world. Communicating consequences wisely can truly drive accountability, inspire action, and avoid misunderstandings which ultimately strengthen the relationship.

VALUE CREATION IN PROBLEM-SOLVING

10. Stay Solution-Oriented

Staying solution-oriented can truly transform the workplace atmosphere. I’ve seen my fair share of corporate environments where the norm was to complain about bosses, about the endless meetings, and the environment. But constantly focusing on problems never really got us anywhere. It was a constant loop of unproductive negativity.

Instead of dwelling on what was wrong, start asking, “How can we make this better?” This shift didn’t just improve the mood; it propels everyone toward more effective and creative solutions. It helps turn challenges into opportunities and make the most out of our workday. So, why waste energy complaining when you can channel it into making positive changes? That’s the mindset that conversations to success.

11. Use Appreciative Inquiry

Have you ever tried flipping the script on how you approach problems at work? Instead of zeroing in on what’s going wrong, this method has us first identify what’s working well, starting from a place of success.

Here’s how it goes: First, we pinpoint the positives, the things that are truly excelling. Then, we dream big, what could be even better? From there, it’s all about designing and implementing that vision. It’s more than putting a positive spin on things; it’s a strategic approach that fosters a proactive, solution-focused mindset. By focusing on potential rather than problems, we build on the best to make everything even better.

12. Offer Constructive Feedback

During my Toastmasters days, after every presentation, I’d be showered with compliments. While it was nice to hear, I knew I needed more to truly grow. So, I started asking for it directly. “Please, be blunt with me,” I’d say. “I’m here to improve, so don’t hold back.” Discover the power of a thick skin with 10 ways assertive communication helps you handle difficult workplace situations.

Constructive criticism, when specific and actionable, fuels development and boosts confidence because you know exactly what to work on. It identifies weaknesses and frames suggestions in a way that’s empowering, helping individuals leverage their strengths to address their challenges.

13. Follow Up

Following up is a crucial but often overlooked part of professional communication. I learned this the hard way after missing out on a fantastic opportunity. I was invited by a senior leader to join a think tank, a chance I was thrilled about. However, I never followed up, and as a result, it never materialized. It was a missed opportunity that taught me a valuable lesson.

Initially, I hesitated to follow up because I didn’t want to seem bothersome. But over time, I realized that following up isn’t nagging; it’s a vital part of ensuring things get done. It’s like being an alarm clock, gently reminding others of agreed-upon commitments that might have slipped through the cracks.

Now, I make it a point to follow up at least six times, if necessary. What surprised me most was the positive feedback I received. People genuinely appreciated the reminders and often thanked me for keeping them on track. It showed them that I was committed and reliable, which in turn helped maintain momentum on projects and strengthened professional relationships. So, don’t shy away from following up. It’s a powerful tool to demonstrate your dedication and keep projects moving forward.

I hesitated to follow up because I didn’t want to seem bothersome.

The key to value creation in communication lies in being clear, being direct, and being thoughtful about the impact of our words and actions. Take these strategies back to your teams and watch how they can transform everyday interactions into opportunities for growth and innovation. Let’s commit to not just speaking, but communicating with intent and integrity, making every conversation an opportunity for value creation for the problem, the relationship, and for ourselves.

Additional Resources for a Bold, Unapologetic Voice

1) Take the Assertive & Likable 10-Day Email Challenge

Take the FREE Be Both Assertive & Likable 10 Day Challenge. Get daily emails with a written and audio lessons plus challenge of the day. It’s time to quit tip-toeing and start leaving your footprint. This challenge will teach you how.

2) Get the Book Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self-Advocacy & Bold Leadership

Unleash your Unapologetic Voice with the 101 inspirational stories of leaders who dared to speak their minds at work and did so with diplomacy. Get your copy of the ‘Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self-Advocacy & Bold Leadership’ book today.

3) Listen to the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically Podcast

Or start listening to the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically insights for more tips just like this one.