Communication
Express ideas effectively in individual and group situations. Listen effectively; share information, ideas and arguments; adjust terminology, language and communication modes to the needs of the audience; ensure accurate understanding; act in a way that facilitates open exchange of ideas and information; use appropriate non-verbal communication.
Proficiency Level
Basic
- Appropriately express one’s own opinion.
- Listen closely to the message being delivered.
- Wait until the speaker has ended the intended message before responding.
- Accurately report mistakes, errors and unintended outcomes without glossing over what went wrong.
Intermediate
- Ask open ended questions that encourage others to give their point of view.
- Check understanding by stating what he/she understands of the message and asking the speaker to verify or clarify.
- Show respect for the opinion of others.
- Adapt communication (vocabulary, pace, etc.) for the audience.
Advanced
- Refrain from immediate judgement and criticism of others’ ideas delivering criticism in a way that demonstrates sensitivity to the feelings of others.
- Stand firm when presenting own ideas yet is flexible in listening to and accepting others’ input.
- Help the other person to vent anger and negative emotions.
- Encourage the open expression of dissent and contrary viewpoints.
- Alert appropriate parties upon the discovery of potential problems, ensuring no surprises.
Expert
- Create a climate that promotes the free flow of communication in own team, department and organisation.
- Communicate effectively across all functions and levels of the organisation.
- Being sensitive to individual or group communication patterns and work to overcome dysfunctional behaviour, if necessary.