In the workforce, one of the most important things we need to be constantly working on is bettering our communication. This entails both listening and making sure that you are being correctly heard. A company cannot run without streamlined communication as it’s the foundation of success. Whether you are in a management role, or you are an employee, it is important to hone in on your communication and listening skills.  

When evaluating an employee’s performance, it is also important to reflect on how they are being treated. The way in which an employee is valued can directly correlate to how they perform on a daily basis. This is especially true with the new generation of employees who view jobs as a means to a lifestyle and not a lifestyle itself. 

It's an obvious and fitting time of year to discuss "giving thanks." It's certainly a time of reflection as we pause and think of all that we are thankful for, both personally and professionally. In business, the #1 thing we should be thankful for is our customers. It should come as no surprise to you that we are thankful for them, but do they feel appreciated? A simple "thank you" to them has become such a habit and ordinary part of our scripts and emails, so do you really think they pause when they hear or read those words and think, "Wow, they really appreciate me and the business I am giving them"? 9.5 times out of 10, the answer is no. 

What we say and what our customers hear can have two totally different meanings. Be aware that many phrases that are used daily might need to be considered as to whether or not what's being said is leaving the best impression. Here is an example—the customer is paying for their purchase and says to the person handling the check out, "thank you."  Sadly, 9 times out of 10 the person checking them out will say, "you're welcome" and leave it at that. Isn't this backwards? The customer is thanking the seller?! This is such a pivotal moment in leaving the best, last impression. Although, "you're welcome", is a nice phrase, if the customer does not receive a sincere, "thank you", the "you're welcome" feels like and sounds like, "NEXT." 

When considering how all team members represent your business by what they say and how they say it, these statements below offer some reflection on what not to say.