🇨🇦 Canadian Workplace Conversations Done Right!

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
Navigating Workplace Conversations: What Newcomers to Canada Need to Know

Starting a new job can be daunting, especially when it comes to building connections and navigating workplace conversations. As a newcomer, it’s crucial to establish rapport and foster healthy relationships with colleagues from the get-go.

Initiating Meaningful Conversations 🌟
The office is where collective strides are taken, common goals are achieved, and successes are celebrated. To integrate smoothly, engage in genuine conversations with colleagues to foster collaboration and form strong connections.

Professional Conversation Etiquette 🎩

1. Steer Clear of Taboo Personal Topics: Avoid discussing sensitive personal matters such as health, relationships, or finances to maintain professionalism and prevent discomfort among coworkers with differing beliefs.

2. Avoid Gossip and Negative Rumors: Refrain from participating in gossip or spreading negative rumors, as these can create a toxic work environment and damage relationships.

3. Approach Sensitive Topics with Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences when discussing sensitive topics like race, gender, or sexual orientation, and strive to promote inclusivity and understanding.

4. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and contribute positively to the team’s morale and productivity.

5. Verify Information Before Sharing: Ensure that information shared is accurate and reliable to prevent unnecessary stress and anxiety among coworkers.

6. Respect Differing Viewpoints: Be open-minded and receptive to feedback, and engage in respectful discussions to foster collaboration and achieve common goals.

By adhering to these guidelines, newcomers can navigate workplace conversations with professionalism and cordiality, keeping the workplace controversy-free!

CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Career Coach

Q: How can individuals balance being friendly and approachable at work without crossing the line into inappropriate conversations?

A: Achieving a balance between friendliness and professionalism in the workplace can be hard. Here are some tips to be help you be more strategic when communicating at work.

• Topic Selection: Choose conversation topics related to shared interests or professional subjects.

• Steer Clear: Avoid discussions that could be perceived as overly personal or offensive.

• Work Relevance: Focus on work projects, industry trends, or common professional goals.

• Boundaries: Recognize and respect the boundaries between personal and professional spheres.

• Positive Engagement: Cultivate connections through mutual respect and collaboration.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences in communication styles.

By following these tips, you can maintain a friendly and approachable demeanour while upholding professionalism in their interactions at work. Good luck!

POLL OF THE WEEK

LEADERSHIP LIBRARY
Elevate Your Career with Essential Wisdom

Thomas Erikson from Surrounded by Idiots

Thomas Erikson dedicated himself to understanding how people function and why we often struggle to connect with certain types of people.

Erikson will help you understand yourself better, hone communication and social skills, handle conflict with confidence, improve dynamics with your boss and team, and get the best out of the people you deal with and manage. He also shares simple tricks on body language, improving written communication, advice on when to back away or when to push on, and when to speak up or shut up. 

WELCOME ABOARD
Newcomer Friendly Job Listings

• General Construction Supervisor - Brampton, ON

• Software Developer - Brampton, ON

• Database Analyst - Winnipeg, MB

• Administrative Assistant - Courtenay, BC

• Farm Supervisor - Armstrong, BC

• Corporate Sales Manager - Surrey, BC

• Digital Marketing Coordinator - Oakville, ON

• all job postings available at time of email publication

LEARN THE LINGO
🔄 3 Ways to Redirect Uncomfortable Conversations:

Effective communication in a new language is about much more than just grammar and vocabulary – it’s also about expressing yourself confidently, assertively, and compassionately.

So, you know what topics you want to avoid, but now you need strategies to set boundaries or gracefully exit conversations. Maybe someone is venting and you struggle between wanting to show empathy and prevent the conversation from veering off track. Maybe you’re uncomfortable with what is being shared and want to avoid encouraging the discussion.

Here are 3 strategies to help you feel more in control of your workplace communication:

When Someone Tells You Something a Little Too Personal 💬

“That sounds tough, I appreciate you sharing that. I'm glad you feel comfortable talking to me about it. Right now, though, I have to focus on [mention a work-related task or deadline]. How about we have a coffee sometime and chat more?”

Or, if you don’t feel comfortable scheduling time to discuss it more, try this:

"That sounds tough, I appreciate you sharing that. If you need further support, I encourage you to reach out to [mention appropriate resource or colleague]."

Explanation: While sharing personal details about our lives can help establish trust and connection, long heart-to-hearts on company time can be counterproductive. This response allows you to show empathy while also setting boundaries about what is appropriate to discuss in the office.

When a Conversation Has Gone on a Little Too Long ⏳

"I'm sorry, I just remembered I need to [make a phone call, prep for a meeting], but I’ll see you at lunch?"

Explanation: While you don’t want to completely cut someone off or discourage them from talking to you, this response provides an opportunity to continue the conversation at a later, more appropriate time.

Re-direct Gossip or Complaints 🤐

“I hear your frustration. Have you tried speaking to them about it directly?”

Explanation: This response prevents you from discounting someone’s experience. You can show compassion when it comes to the underlying emotion but also remain solution-oriented.

Are you studying for your IELTS exam? Check out SkilledWorker’s FREE trial of our Full IELTS Online Course.