For the June Employee Spotlight, Uchenna Aguboshim, People Experience Associate at gomoney, shares how effective communication has shaped her HR career. She discusses balancing professionalism and friendliness, improving remote communication, and offers advice on enhancing communication skills to foster a positive, productive workplace culture
Tell us about yourself. How have communication skills shaped your professional career in HR?
My name is Uchenna Aguboshim. Over the years of working as a Human Resources (HR) professional, my career has been dedicated to fostering effective communication strategies that enhance both employee engagement and organizational success.
Communication skills have been crucial in shaping my professional career in HR by allowing me to build strong relationships with employees and stakeholders, ensuring that important information is conveyed clearly and effectively. It has also enabled me to resolve conflicts with empathy and assertiveness as well as engage employees by addressing their feedback and concerns.
Additionally, communication has aided my role in cultivating a positive workplace culture, driving organizational changes smoothly by communicating these changes effectively and streamlining the recruitment & onboarding processes. Overall, effective communication has been central to my success in HR.
How do you personally balance professionalism and friendliness in your email communications to maintain a positive and respectful work environment?
Personally, I approach this by ensuring my tone remains clear and respectful, regardless of the context. I adapt my level of formality based on the recipient and the situation, choosing a more conversational tone with familiar colleagues and a more formal one for senior management or external partners.
To add a friendly touch, I acknowledge personal milestones, express appreciation, or ask how you are doing, which helps build rapport while keeping interactions warm and engaging.
What personal advice would you give to employees who want to enhance their communication skills for better professional excellence and career growth?
I would advise focusing on a few key areas:
Actively practice listening
Truly understanding others' perspectives not only helps in responding thoughtfully but also demonstrates respect and engagement. Strive to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely.
Regularly seek feedback
Regularly seek feedback on your communication style from colleagues and mentors. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and help refine your approach. Additionally, be mindful of non-verbal communication, such as body language and tone, which can significantly impact how your message is received.
Invest time in developing emotional intelligence
Being aware of and managing your emotions, as well as recognizing and responding to the emotions of others, can greatly enhance your interpersonal interactions.
I believe this commitment to growth will contribute to both your professional excellence and career advancement.
What advice would you give to employees to help them maintain professional conduct in their daily communications, both verbal and non-verbal for better professional excellence and career growth?
First, be mindful of your tone and choice of words in verbal communication. Always strive for clarity, respect, and politeness to ensure that your message is well-received and avoids misunderstandings. It's important to tailor your language to the context and audience, balancing formality with approachability as appropriate.
In non-verbal communication, be aware of your body language and facial expressions, as these can significantly impact how your messages are perceived. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use gestures that reinforce your words positively. Also, avoid distractions and signals that may appear disengaged or disinterested, such as checking your phone or crossing your arms.
Active listening is crucial in any role. How do you cultivate active listening skills within your team, and how do you personally practice them during important discussions
I start by setting the example through my own behavior. During important discussions, I make a conscious effort to listen attentively, avoid interrupting, and show genuine interest in what others are saying. I reflect on what I’ve heard to ensure clarity and to confirm my understanding, which also signals that I am fully engaged.
To reinforce this practice within the team, I emphasize the importance of active listening during meetings and one-on-one interactions. I provide feedback on how effective listening can improve collaboration and I encourage team members to practice summarizing key points and asking clarifying questions.
What role does feedback play in mastering communication for professional excellence, and how can employees give and receive feedback constructively?
Feedback is integral to mastering communication for professional excellence as it provides valuable insights into how one's communication style is perceived and where improvements can be made.
Receiving feedback helps employees understand their strengths and identify areas for growth, enabling them to refine their communication skills. Giving feedback, on the other hand, offers an opportunity to guide employees, foster their development, and enhance overall team effectiveness.
To give feedback constructively, it’s important to be specific and focus on behaviors rather than personal attributes. This means providing clear examples of what was effective or what could be improved, and framing the feedback in a way that is actionable. It's also crucial to deliver feedback with empathy, ensuring that it is received as a tool for growth rather than criticism
One major issue with remote companies has always been communication. As a People Experience Associate, how has your team been able to improve the interpersonal communication issues and gaps within the company?
My team and I have implemented a range of solutions to improve how employees connect and collaborate despite the physical distance.
We have invested in and standardized the use of communication tools and platforms that facilitate seamless interactions. Also, we introduced regular virtual meetings and check-ins, both team-wide and one-on-one, to maintain a sense of connection and keep everyone aligned. These meetings are structured to encourage open dialogue, foster team bonding, and address any issues or concerns in a timely manner.
To further bridge interpersonal gaps, we’ve promoted practices that encourage informal interactions, such as virtual and offsite team-building activities, and social channels where employees can share interests and connect on a personal level. These informal interactions help build relationships and strengthen the team dynamic, which is crucial for a cohesive remote work environment.
Additionally, deployment of training on effective communication strategies, including active listening, clear and concise messaging, and constructive feedback. This training equips our employees with the skills to communicate more effectively and navigate the unique challenges of remote interactions.
Of course, soliciting and acting on feedback about these communication practices allows us to continually assess and improve our approaches.
What are the top three email etiquette rules every professional should follow to ensure effective communication?
To ensure effective communication, every professional should adhere to the following top three email etiquette rules:
Be Clear and Concise: Craft your emails with clarity and brevity.
Use a Professional Tone: Maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout your email. This includes using proper greetings and signoffs, avoiding slang or overly casual language, and being mindful of your tone to prevent misunderstandings.
Proofread Before Sending: Carefully proofread your email to correct any grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Double-check recipient addresses, ensure attachments are included if referenced, and verify that all relevant information is accurate and complete before hitting "send."
In your opinion, what are the Dos and Don’ts of interpersonal communication either verbal or written within an organization?
Do focus on clarity and respect in both verbal and written communication. Always strive to be clear and concise to avoid misunderstandings and show respect by listening actively and responding thoughtfully. Use appropriate language and tone to ensure your message is received positively.
Don’t use ambiguous language or make assumptions about others' understanding. Avoid being overly critical or dismissive, as this can damage relationships and hinder collaboration.
In written communication, steer clear of informal language or excessive jargon that might not be generally understood within the organization. Also, avoid interrupting others in conversations or neglecting to acknowledge their input, which can undermine open and constructive dialogue
What do you love the most about gomoney’s communication culture and your relationship with the people you work with?
I truly appreciate the open and transparent communication culture at gomoney. It fosters a sense of trust and collaboration, making it easy to share ideas and feedback openly.
What I love most is how approachable and supportive my colleagues are. We have a good rapport, where everyone feels comfortable contributing and asking for help.
This positive environment not only enhances our teamwork but also makes every day at work fulfilling.
What advice would you give to other remote organizations looking to improve the communication culture(interpersonal) both written and verbal/non-verbal?
Focus on establishing regular and structured interactions, such as scheduled team meetings and one-on-one check-ins, using virtual platforms to capture non-verbal cues and foster connection.
Invest in effective communication tools and ensure your team is trained to use them proficiently. Also, encourage openness by creating channels for honest feedback and informal interactions, like virtual social events, to build stronger relationships.
Additionally, provide training on communication skills, including active listening and a conflict resolution model, and reinforce good practices consistently across the organization. Being mindful of cultural differences and fostering an inclusive environment will also help enhance overall communication.
What can you say is the direct and most impactful outcome of prioritizing healthy and respectful communication culture generally within an organization?
Prioritizing a healthy and respectful communication culture directly leads to increased employee engagement and productivity. When communication is clear, respectful, and open, it fosters trust and collaboration among team members, reduces misunderstandings and conflicts, and enhances overall morale.
This positive environment not only improves individual job satisfaction but also drives better team performance and organizational success.
