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| Credit to BCU |
Q: What exactly do you write?
A: I write about a couple of different things. The most I write about is the plans for IT based projects to become successful. This would include the status of a project and its future projections. You could say I write about the technical terms of the contracts.
Q: What kind of planning and process goes into the writings?
A: Just like any paper, a draft is the only place to start. Planning out a draft is the best decision to begin with because my draft can go around to others involved in the project. Their feedback is put in and then revisions can be made based on the context of the situation. To some extent, business terms are used when conveying thoughts and ideas. At other times, parameters of business terms need to be explained or t he presence of the terms don't need to be there. That is, there are times when the writings need to have the language of business, and there are times when the writings don't need the language of business. The decision for what kind of language to include depends on who is being presented with the information and what the subject of the writing is.
Q: Is there any specific way that communication begins in a project?
A: Communication for a project with other companies usually starts on the phone or Skype. Face to face interaction happens when the project is in the works. That's when certain people travel for business, and when important negotiations for million-dollar deals is on the line. My first project manager would tell me "if you're focused on what words you're saying rather than what you're saying, then you'll lose the meaning behind what you're trying to accomplish." That's what made him successful, he never worried about what he wanted to say, and that made him more confident.
Q: Are there misconceptions when people think of communication within business?
A: There will always be misconceptions because not everyone witnesses the job firsthand. Speaking in a formal business tone is not used in every scenario. Yes, there are times when formal speech is used, but there is a casual feeling when speaking to others. I feel like people have this idea that a business environment is full of formal people. That is not entirely true. Sometimes it is necessary to be formal, but then there's days when you can have causal interactions with others.
Q: How do you read the room to decide what's the best way to talk and act?
A: When going to a meeting, looking at who is sitting and standing says it all. Those who are sitting are more involved in the project, talk the most, and hold the power. Recognizing the order of power is a big part of the job. I had some control of a project and talked on occasion, but these people had higher titles in the company.
Q: Do you have any advice for success in business?
A: Your communication with body language has a larger impact at the end of the day. The way you present yourself can either bring down how you conduct business or complement it. The formality of being on time and acting professional is more important for your image and the image of the company. When speaking, no one cares about the words you use if it's not the time and place for them. Formal communication is a key factor business, but the formality of communication is not always necessary. Swearing and using slang has no place in meetings. Sounding robotic is not an effective form of interaction, especially in business.
Lastly, ask questions. This may seem obvious, but work isn't like school. No one is going to point out what you should do for each step of the process. The project manager may give you a place to start a an outline of what to do, but then you fill in the details. There may be times when asking for help is the only option, but that's okay. Asking for help shows you're willing to reach out and have other people step in to support you rather than messing up when there was an opportunity to get help.
Written by Colin Bergman
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