This blog reflects on life at work at comments on the latest news that shapes my 9-5 working day in a Corporate Communications consultancy.

About Me

I am a born and bred South African who has always loved to read and write. As a child my mother used to read to me and my siblings, from classics like the “Lord of the Rings” but later also from her own stories. She would write children’s stories and then use us as her test audience, but I loved to hear what she had written long after my siblings had tired of it. So I grew up in an environment of reading and writing, which inspired my love of these things. I hope to write a great book some day, and have learnt first hand the determination and will that it takes. My love of English inspired me to continue my study of it at university. I majored in Law and English in a BA degree at UCT where I found that I took to English much more than law. I enjoyed learning about South Africa’s history and the development of our liberal Constitution, which increasingly made me committed to the hope this country has for the future. Ideally, I’d like to find myself in a job where I am able to write; that allows a good mix of time spent with people and being able to work on my own.

Wednesday, 11 July 2007

Team work means talking to each other

Today we had a brief meeting with the research team in the office, just to touch base with each other and discuss any queries or problems. The research function is quite important at Brunswick, as it provides a support for the client - facing staff who need to have access to certain information to stay on the ball.

One of the biggest things that was emphasised during the meeting was the need to communicate with each other. Even in a small office (and at a communications firm at that!) we sometimes forget to talk about who's doing what, or feel reluctant to shout if someone feels their work load is too big. One of the major keys to succesful team work is TALKING.

4 comments:

Thomas Michael Blaser said...

Communications is always an issue. From my experience, people fail to communicate the most basic things. I think one of the problems is the (big) ego and hence we do not consider the people around us enough.

Adam N. Mukendi said...

Hi Sue,
You are right. Personaly I have understood that key to any relationship (at the work place,in marriage or friendship) is communication. The fact that you express what you think opens door to solutions on any case.
What you have understood there at Brunswick works everywhere Sue. Use it outdoor.
Adam

Ijeoma Uche-Okeke said...

It is not always easy to communicate in these techno-empowered times. People spend so much time on their cell phones, computers, ipods and all sorts of gadgets, that the art of conversation has become redundant. People used to write letters, meet and actually talk to not at each other. We just need to find ways to re-connect with each other. I don't necessarily agree that it is a question of ego Thomas.

Susan Arthur said...

Yes, especially at work, we use e mail a lot - probably too much. Even in our open plan office, we are lazy, and often send mails rather than getting up to talk to someone who is two desks away! The thing about communicating, especially as an intern/ new employee (as Beauty raised on her blog), is to find the balance between asking questions and using your initiative.