The Importance Of Communication In The Workplace - Digging In

With so much communication technology at our fingertips, it is difficult to believe that there are any communication problems in any business today. In the course of a busy workday, the importance of good communication can be something that can be easily forgotten. If you are noticing that it is difficult to get your employees to work together cohesively, that morale is very low, or worse, that your business is losing money, you might need to take a second look at your company?s communication.

Use the Telephone

While phoning someone is still a good practice, it isn?t always the best mode of communication for every situation. Using the telephone is good for setting up meetings or discussing items for which there is a quick resolution. It is generally not a good venue to tell an employee that they made a mistake on their last assignment. Save that discussion for a one-on-one meeting.

Write an Email

Email is a fast and convenient way of communicating with colleagues and employees provided you follow a few guidelines. Use email for only disseminating factual information. If you are writing anything that could be misinterpreted, it is best to address that face-to-face. For example, if you are trying to remind an employee that something that they are doing is inappropriate in the workplace, an email might come across like an impersonal and angry lecture. This could end up causing a backlash from the employee rather than alleviating the situation.

Have a Meeting

Meetings can help bring employees and colleagues together and make them feel part of the company. It also helps to keep everyone apprised of what is happening in the company. It is probably the best way to communicate all important company business and ensure that everyone hears it. It is important to encourage open communication in the meetings, so that employees feel that they are heard and that what they say matters.

Try One-on-One Communication

With so many different modes of communication today, one-on-one communication often gets forgotten. It is so much easier to shoot someone an email or leave them a voicemail, but there are times when good old-fashioned face-to-face communication is still the best way to speak with a colleague or an employee. Many people do not feel comfortable bringing up their concerns or problems at a meeting. Things written on an Email and said on the telephone can often be misinterpreted when you are not able to see the person and read their body language. This is why a face-to-face meeting can be a much better option in this situation.

Listen

Listening is probably the most glossed over, yet most important piece of the of communication puzzle. Without the listening portion, any other piece cannot fully succeed. Employees and colleagues need to know that their input is being heard. Feeling unheard can often be the cause of low morale and high employee turnover. While listening does not necessarily mean incorporating each suggestion into your company or changing every policy based on what one employee says, it does mean giving the ideas full consideration.

In today?s highly technological society where everyone can do and access everything from their computer or cellphone, the importance of good communication cannot be stressed strongly enough. Using the appropriate mode of communication for different situations will make everything flow easier, and help make your employees feel that they are important and valued member of your company.

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Sr. Manager - Global Sales Training & Effectiveness - ASTD

This position will be focused on designing and executing the Sales Effectiveness and Training Strategy for the sales professionals within the Global Merchant Services (GMS) division of American Express (AXP). Specifically, this person will have the opportunity to lead the design, development and rollout of change management and learning initiatives for the Merchant Acquisition organization, and other initiatives in support of Merchant Services Americas (MSA). The incumbent will work closely with senior leaders and with other team members to gather and understand needs, and partner with local Human Resources professionals, subject matter experts, and vendors to develop and deploy programs that enable the sales professionals to deliver a superior merchant experience and meet their sales targets. This individual may also be the key administrator for our Learning Management System (LMS).

* Conduct a thorough training needs assessment with key internal stakeholders.

* Define sales effectiveness strategy in conjunction with the Merchant Acquisition organization and manage overall calendar of initiatives for that organization

* Design and deliver selected training and learning intervention programs in-house and/or manage external training companies; Training and learning programs will be focused on selling skills, relationship management, financial acumen, negotiations, and understanding of AXP products and tools

* Manage and grow relationships with sales leaders and serve as point of contact and as a strategic consultant for Sales Effectiveness for the Merchant Acquisition organization

* Drive additional initiatives in support of the overall MSA region related to a specific business initiative impacting the entire region. Supporting other training platforms or reinforcement initiatives such as consultative selling skills or leadership effectiveness

* Leverage Human Resources, Sales Excellence, Industry Development & Field Effectiveness (IDFE) and other teams as needed to develop the most effective programs

* Leverage various training channels and technologies to deliver a variety of solutions including face to face training, teleconference training, and self-directed training

* Work with other Global Sales Training and Effectiveness team members to ensure standardization and compliance with the global sales curriculum

* Measure impact and effectiveness of programs and align metrics to business objectives

* Drive strategy for our LMS, and oversee administrators who manage the day-to-day functions of the platform

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10 Things to Know for Thursday

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Payroll Accountant with 2 years exp ? Dubai, UAE | Jobs in Dubai

Senior Hair Stylist Needed ? Sisters Beauty Lounge in UAE

about 1 hour ago - No comments

Sisters Beauty Lounge ? Abu Dhabi ? Dubai ? We are seeking well experienced Senior Hairstylists for our branches. Sisters Beauty Lounge is a luxury beauty destination with multiple locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi catering to the modern women of the UAE. ? Permanent ? Full-time

Head of Engineering/ Construction Division

about 6 hours ago - No comments

Dubai ? The Gulf Recruitment Group is seeking to identify a world beating senior level search & recruitment professional to drive forward our engineering practice across the GCC. With significant regional investment in infrastructure and a recovering real estate marketing we are continuing to invest to ensure that we drive forward a position, as one of the most respected sources of executive management within the sector regionally.

Head of Policies & Procedures ? Finance

about 14 hours ago - No comments

Dubai ? An excellent opportunity has arisen for a large local company in Abu Dhabi for a Head of Policies & Procedures Position Your duties will include Implement & maintain accounts & financial policies Maintain strong control to ensure Finance & accounts are IFRS compliant Continuous improvement & development Development of internal & external training in all financial areas Candidates must be UAE NATIONAL or WESTERN EDUCATED Degree in Commerce or Accounting 6 Years Experience in the relevant areas? MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH POLICIES & PROCEDURES Strong technical understanding of ERP Strong knowledge of financial reporting for large infrastructure projects Previous Job Next Job TOP Banking & Finance Jobs 1. [15-May-2012] 2.

Finance Director ? Investment House ? UAE

about 14 hours ago - No comments

United Arab Emirates ? An International Investment business headquartered in Dubai is looking to appoint a Finance Director to manage a portfolio of investments across Africa. This is a newly formed business within the larger group and has been created to oversee the portfolio. This person must have in-depth experience of working with African countries (e.g

Internal Auditor Senior

about 15 hours ago - No comments

Dubai ? providers within Accountancy & Finance, Financial Services/IT, Human Resource, Learning & Development, Legal, Secretarial/ Administration. ? Permanent ? Full-time

Cost Control Manager

about 15 hours ago - No comments

Dubai ? , we provide specialist recruitment services throughout the GCC region, with dedicated consultants delivering focused sector and local knowledge. In addition, we are fully committed to promoting the government?s Emiratisation policy

Legal Assistant & Contracts Administrator

about 15 hours ago - No comments

United Arab Emirates ? ? vacancy details Reference: LMLegal Contract Type: Permanent Salary: 15000.00 to 25000.00 Dirham Permanent Discipline: Accountancy, Finance & Banking Location: Abu Dhabi Country: job descriptionLegal Assistant & Contracts Administrator Adu Dhabi AED15,000 25,000 + BenefitsMy client a Semi Government organisation is currently looking to recruit a Legal Assistant and Contract Adminstrator.This role shall resolve and respond to routine contractual inquiries, prepare draft contracts utilizing ? Permanent ? Full-time

Technical Facilities Manager (Energy management)

about 1 day ago - No comments

Kobaltt Dubai ? United Arab Emirates ? Our client are seeking a Technical Manager to oversee experience in engineering, HVAC, chiller experience willing to reside in the UAE. One would lead the technical department, handle engineering queries and provide commercial teams technical studies.

Chief Information Officer ? Central Region

about 1 day ago - No comments

American International Group ? Dubai ? We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Information Technology professional to develop and manage the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of technology to support the achievement of objectives of Central Region. Central Region encompasses 21 countries, including the Gulf countries, Russia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Lebanon, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya and Uganda. Reporting to the CIO for Europe, the position will be based in Dubai

ATG4104-Asst Sr Accountant

about 1 day ago - No comments

Altayer Group ? Dubai ? communication, Mathematical acumen, Good human relation skill, 7 ? 10 years experience in an accounting function in medium size to large organization, or B.Com with inter CA or inter Cost Accountancy followed with 5 years experience. PRIVACY AND APPLICATION POLICY To the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, Al Tayer Group LLC and its affiliated companies (?Al Tayer? or ?we?) collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with the principles set out below. By submitting ? Permanent ? Full-time

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Caregivingly Yours,: Multiple Sclerosis, Palliative Care, Hospice

Talking about difficult MS topics - Palliative Care, Hospice, and Dying from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
"At whatever point during the disease course you find yourself caring for a person with MS ? we feel certain they will benefit from the opening of this door to discussion at some point in their illness."

Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer?

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Jurors in Edwards trial deliberate for 8th day

John Edwards leaves a federal courthouse after the seventh day of jury deliberations in his trial on charges of campaign corruption in Greensboro, N.C., Tuesday, May 29, 2012. Edwards has pleaded not guilty to six counts related to campaign finance violations over nearly $1 million from two wealthy donors used to help hide the Democrat's pregnant mistress as he sought the White House in 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

John Edwards leaves a federal courthouse after the seventh day of jury deliberations in his trial on charges of campaign corruption in Greensboro, N.C., Tuesday, May 29, 2012. Edwards has pleaded not guilty to six counts related to campaign finance violations over nearly $1 million from two wealthy donors used to help hide the Democrat's pregnant mistress as he sought the White House in 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

John Edwards, right, and his daughter Cate Edwards, left, arrive at a federal courthouse during the seventh day of jury deliberations in his trial on charges of campaign corruption in Greensboro, N.C., Tuesday, May 29, 2012. Edwards has pleaded not guilty to six counts related to campaign finance violations over nearly $1 million from two wealthy donors used to help hide the Democrat's pregnant mistress as he sought the White House in 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

(AP) ? The jury in John Edwards campaign finance corruption trial has started its eighth day of deliberations.

The jurors were scheduled to work an extra 30 minutes on Wednesday and Thursday, unless they finish first. The judge in the trial said the jury will leave early on Friday to accommodate jurors' family commitments that include attending high school graduations.

The former presidential candidate faces six charges involving nearly $1 million provided by two wealthy donors to help hide his pregnant mistress as he sought the White House in 2008.

The judge met behind closed doors Tuesday with attorneys to talk about a problem with a juror, but it's still not clear what was discussed.

Associated Press

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Funeral of Bee Gees star Robin Gibb set for June 8

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'Delta Boys' director Andrew Berends talks about being arrested in Nigeria

Berends was arrested and expelled from the country by the Nigerian government.

By Brian Geldin,?The Film Panel Notetaker / May 30, 2012

An aerial view of the oil hub city of Port Harcourt in Nigeria's Delta region on May 16.

Akintunde Akinleye/REUTERS

Enlarge

In 2008 while making his documentary Delta Boys, filmmaker Andrew Berends (The Blood of My Brother, When Adnan Comes Home) was arrested and falsely accused of espionage at the bustling Nembe waterside in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, while filming women bringing their products to the market. Also arrested were his translator, Samuel George, and host Joe Bussio. Berends was detained for 10 days and expelled from the country by the Nigerian government in a bid to suppress media coverage of the Niger Delta conflict. In the end, Berends was never charged with a crime, but George?s and Bussio?s legal statuses then remained undetermined. A fundraiser had been set up for people to contribute to their legal fees. Bussio had eventually been cleared of all charges, and George was expected to report to the authorities soon after, and he too was eventually let go, according to Berends.

Skip to next paragraph The Film Panel Notetaker

Since its humble beginnings in December 2005, The Film Panel Notetaker has evolved from one blogger to a team of several bloggers, all of whom contribute to our independent film community in one form or another from filmmakers, to producers, to writers, to editors, to marketers, to publicists, they all have unique backgrounds, but one common interest ? to be a fly on the wall at film discussions and share with you information they?ve learned that will be helpful in your own film endeavors.

Recent posts

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Berends in a statement said, ?It is important that translators and local journalists around the world know they can do their jobs without fear for their lives, their families, or the expenses they will incur on our behalf.? Berends?s experience in Nigeria is just one example of a government using its power to deter journalists from reporting their stories, but this is not just happening overseas.

This brings to mind a more recent development back in April right here on U.S. soil when filmmaker Laura Poitras (The Oath) returned home from a recent trip abroad where she was detained by Homeland Security at Newark Airport and threatened with being handcuffed for attempting to take notes during her interrogation. Poitras has been repeatedly harassed, detained, interrogated and has had her cameras and computers seized as she attempts to re-enter her home country in more than three dozen incidences.

Cinema Eye Honors, the organization that honors the craft of nonfiction filmmaking (which in full disclosure, I am on the advisory board), released a statement offering a similar sentiment to that of Berends?s saying, ?It is unacceptable for any American nonfiction filmmaker or journalist to be treated in this manner. ?They must be able to return to their own country without fear of arrest or fear that their work product will be seized, solely because they are investigating or chronicling subject matter that may be sensitive or controversial.?

Delta Boys made its World Premiere last night as the closing film of Stranger Than Fiction?s spring season at IFC Center in New York. Berends bravely captures life in a tiny fishing village caught in the crossfire of the conflict of the Niger Delta militancy in the face of corrupt government oppression in this oil-rich region of Nigeria. In his own narration, Berends follows the personal stories of Ateke Tom, the ?Godfather? of the Niger Delta Vigilante Force, Chima, a 21-year-old who left home to join the fight, and Mama, a 22-year-old who struggles to give birth to her first child with no access to modern medical care, while raids are launched from a militant camp across the river. These stories reflect a broader global struggle between entrenched power and corporate interests and an underserved population. Nigeria is the fifth largest supplier of oil to the United States. Yet, despite this natural wealth, the majority of Niger Deltans live in poverty. Ateke?s militants, along with other groups, have called for a greater distribution of wealth and jobs. When their requests have been ignored, they?ve attacked oil installations and pipelines, kidnapped foreigners and made the entire Delta a no-go-zone. But many feel that while the Niger Delta struggle is legitimate, the militants? motives are not so pure.

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Recipe Finder: Cream of Crab Soup | Food & Drink | The Sun Herald

Karen Russell from Bryan, Texas, was looking for a recipe for cream of crab soup similar to the one she had at a restaurant in Chestertown, Md., when visiting the area a few years ago.

Cream of crab is a popular menu item at restaurants all around the Chesapeake Bay region and is as ubiquitous here as clam chowder is along the coast of New England. Recipes for the soup are plentiful, but the best versions are the simple, straightforward ones that allow the sweet and succulent meat from local blue crabs to shine.

Donna Hairston from Baltimore sent in one such recipe that she said comes from the "Hunt To Harbor" cookbook, published by the Junior League of Baltimore. The recipe, credited to the Tidewater Inn in Easton, Md., is a classic. Nothing fancy or complicated - just plain good. Although the recipe does not specify, I would recommend you spring for the lump crabmeat. Also, I bumped up the amount of Old Bay seasoning and substituted dry sherry for the white wine. I found that the soup improved upon standing, as the flavors had a chance to marry a bit. Be sure to reheat it slowly and do not allow it to boil.

CREAM OF CRAB SOUP

Serves 4 to 6

1 medium onion, minced

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 pint clam juice

1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (or more, to taste)

Freshly ground pepper and salt to taste

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 pint half-and-half or cream

1 pound crab meat

Saute onion in butter until very soft. Stir in flour and gradually whisk in clam juice. Add seasonings, wine and half-and-half. Simmer until flour is cooked and soup thickens, about 15 minutes. Gently add crab meat and heat. Do not boil.

REQUESTS

Bonita Burbank from Redmond, Ore., is looking for a recipe for a mock apple pie made with Ritz crackers. She said the recipe was popular back in the 1970s, and she would like to be able to make it again for her bingo club.

Della Creighbaum from Plymouth, Ind., is looking for the recipe she has lost for buttermilk pie. She said it was her son's favorite when he was a little boy, and she would like to be able to make it for him again.

If you are looking for a recipe or can answer a request, write to Julie Rothman, Recipe Finder, The Baltimore Sun, 501 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21278 or email baltsunrecipefinder@gmail.com.

If you send in more than one recipe, please put each on a separate piece of paper and include your name, address and daytime phone number. Important: Name and hometown must accompany recipes in order to be published. Please list the ingredients in order of use, and note the number of servings each recipe makes. Please type or print contributions. Letter and recipes may be edited for clarity.

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