Communication
communicate is a cornerstone of access technology training. Whether it be in the classroom or when corresponding with other professionals in the field, you will find good communication skills will carry you a long way toward ultimate success.You will probably find communicating with your students in a classroom setting comes readily to you. Most trainers take to it like the proverbial duck to water. Communication outside the classroom, via email, written correspondence and telephone may prove to be more challenging for many.
Part of being a good communicator is knowing when to listen. Listening could make the difference between receiving valuable services, acquiring an important contract or getting paid in a timely manner. Failing to listen can result in unwanted and, at times, uncomfortable consequences.
Private contractors and those who have the entrepreneurial spirit may have a strong desire to "sell" themselves to other professionals in the field as well as to organizations and individuals seeking information on services. Rather than rushing forth to "sell yourself" to a consumer, it may be best to quietly listen to learn the services required. While listening, you can take note of key issues and insure that your "sales pitch" is properly targeted to meet the needs of the consumer.
When dealing with superiors, counselors, and other rehab personal within email or written correspondence, be sure to spend some time reading the material to insure thorough understanding of proposals or requests. If you are asked to provide information or documentation, take the time to insure that you provide everything requested by any stated deadlines. You teach this same type of responsibility to your students, it is important you also demonstrate the same type of discipline in your own professional transactions.
Submitting authorizations or purchase orders for payment can be an exacting task. Be sure to pay close attention to the manner in which the specific agency or organization wants you to submit billing. You will find that states can vary widely in the manner in which they accept invoices for payment. Some will accept FAX submissions, others want triplicates and only by US Mail. Many federal organizations will have custom forms they will require you to fill out in order to submit payment. Failure to comply with the stipulations of a given organization will mean you won't get paid and, in most cases, they won't bother to tell you why. You made the mistake, so it is up to you to remedy it. When dealing with governmental agencies, if you don't fill in the paperwork properly the first time, you may find yourself waiting an additional six to ten weeks for payment.
Even when you are the individual asking for services, it is imperative that you be a careful and considerate listener. Before launching yourself into salesman mode, asking for special consideration or offering unsolicited advice, it is important that you understand the individual with whom you are dealing. Investigate their personality, look into the type of services or products he/she provides and also consider if there might be an adverse reaction to your request or input. If in doubt, it is best to remain silent and do more homework. Professional relationships can be tenuous and it is best to insure a good rapport rather than risk losing a valuable business contact because you speak too soon or expect too much. You may also wish to consider allowing professionals to offer services or perks rather than requesting they be included at no charge.
There is nothing more satisfying than surprising someone with an unexpected gift or service. As you develop your own business, you will seek opportunities to give back to the community from which you have received so much. While you may wish that you could receive free services or product from someone you respect, please afford him/her the same respect you would ask for yourself. Times like these are perfect examples of when it is best to listen. If the offer is not forthcoming on one occasion, you may find something better will be offered in the future. In most cases, your patience and silence will be rewarded.
Silence can also be a valuable tool when facing criticism or ridicule for your efforts. You may find yourself venturing into new frontier that has yet to be explored within the field of access technology or in the community you opt to serve. It is inevitable that you will cross paths with some who are envious or critical of your efforts. You may receive letters or email that will be vitriolic and hurtful in nature. It is vital that you suppress the desire to respond immediately and in kind. Sometimes silence will speak louder than any words of defense or justification ever could. Silence can be your best friend in such situations because in a world of immediate communication, any email or letter you send that may show a demeanor other than professional and respectful can be spread worldwide in a matter of minutes.
As you gain recognition in the field of access technology, you will find yourself interacting with people from all walks of life. Start to hone your communication skills today. Learn when to talk but, more importantly, learn when to listen. During times when you are dealing with relative strangers, are unsure how your advice or request may be received, or have a desire to lash out in anger, It may well be time to take your mother's sage advice, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Silence, truly can be... golden.