In this episode, Claire Beich interviews Heather Fife to determine communication styles. They discuss the importance of effective communication in the workplace and how to assess communication skills during the hiring process. They cover topics such as verbal communication, listening skills, non-verbal communication, and delivering difficult feedback. The conversation provides insights into strategies for successful communication and the importance of empathy in delivering feedback.

With the help of ChatGPT, here are some more good questions to ask to help determine a candidate's communications skills:

• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to explain a complex idea to someone with little knowledge of the subject? How did you ensure they understood it?

• Describe a situation where you had to handle a difficult conversation with a coworker or customer. How did you approach it?

• Can you share an experience where you successfully persuaded others to adopt your idea or solution? What strategies did you use?

• Tell me about a time when you had to present information to a group. How did you prepare, and how did you engage your audience?

• Tell me about a time you had to deliver difficult feedback to a colleague or subordinate. How did you approach it?

o Purpose: Assesses empathy, tact, and effectiveness in delivering sensitive information.

• Can you share an experience where you had to gather feedback from others to complete a project? How did you handle it?

o Purpose: Looks at communication in a feedback loop to enhance outcomes and personal performance.

• Describe a situation where you received constructive feedback. How did you react, and what actions did you take as a result?

• How do you ensure that you actively listen to your colleagues or clients during meetings or discussions? Can you give an example?

• Describe a time when you had to communicate with someone who spoke a different language or came from a different cultural background. How did you adapt your communication style?

o Purpose: Evaluates the adaptability and awareness of the audience

• Can you share an example of when you had to communicate a challenging message to a team? How did you ensure your message was well-received?

• Tell me about a time you had to deliver difficult feedback to a colleague or subordinate. How did you approach it?

o Purpose: Assesses empathy, tact, and effectiveness in delivering sensitive information.

• Can you share an experience where you had to gather feedback from others to complete a project? How did you handle it?

o Purpose: Looks at communication in a feedback loop to enhance outcomes and personal performance.

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Takeaways

• Effective communication is crucial in the workplace and should be assessed during the hiring process.

• Open-ended questions are more effective in assessing communication skills than yes/no questions.

• Adapting communication styles to different cultural backgrounds and languages is important.

• Approaching difficult feedback with empathy and kindness can lead to better outcomes.

• Being aware of one's own communication style and actively seeking feedback can lead to personal growth.

Sound Bites

"Communication is the largest complaint in the workplace."

"How people are receptive to feedback is more important than the feedback itself."

"Describe a time when you had to communicate with someone from a different cultural background."