© Carpenters Industrial Council 2010

 

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COMMUNICATING

A steward is considered “Communications Central.” At the appropriate time, bargaining unit employees are asking questions and the steward is getting information from bargaining unit employees. The steward is trying to persuade management concerning the merits of a grievance.

Everything a steward does involves listening, gathering information, talking to employees/managers or inspiring people to support their union by taking actions to build strength and solidarity.

  1. Be informed – gather essential information.
  2. Organize the main points you wish to cover before speaking. Make sure they are clear in your mind or, if necessary, you can jot them down on apiece of paper or 3X5 card.
  3. Speak clearly in your own style – don’t be distracted or impatient.
  4. Ask questions, stop speaking, and listen carefully.
  5. Ask clarifying questions when listening like “tell me more about that.”
  6. Get back to the applicable employees with information important to them – especially if they are involved with a grievance. It’s better to “over” communicate than not keeping bargaining unit employees up to date.
  7. Be an educator about all union issues important to bargaining unit employees.
  8. Communications is not a one-way street. It’s a circle with an opening statement, informing, questions, responses, more questions, etc.

LISTENING SKILLS

One of the most difficult things a steward does is listen. Here are some tips for developing listening skills.

  1. STOP TALKING -- You can't listen while you are talking.
  2. ASK QUESTIONS -- When you don't understand. When you need further clarification. When you want to show you are listening. But don't ask questions that will embarrass them or show them up.
  3. CONCENTRATE ON WHAT THEY ARE SAYING - Actively focus your attention on their words, their ideas, and their feelings related to the subject.
  4. LOOK AT THE OTHER PERSON – Look at their face, their mouth, their eyes, their hands. Doing this will help them communicate with you. It helps you concentrate too and makes them feel you are listening.
  5. DO NOT GET ANGRY -- Do not get angry at what they are saying. Your anger may prevent you from understanding what is said, or otherwise reduce your effectiveness.
  6. GET THE MAIN POINTS -- Concentrate on the main ideas being conveyed and the supporting relevant information.
  7. SHARE RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMMUNICATION -- Only part of the responsibility rests with the speaker; you as the listener have an important part.
  8. REACT TO IDEAS, NOT TO THE PERSON -- Don't allow personalities to influence your interpretation of what they say. Anyone, not just a friend or acquaintance may have a good idea.


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