[Work Life Handbook] "The Amiable Deputy Manager Kim is Better" Are You Good at 'Company Language'?

Do Employees Who Speak Well Also Get Promoted Easily?
Many Office Workers Find It Difficult to Communicate

# Assistant Manager Park, in his late 30s, who recently failed the promotion exam, feels stressed whenever he sees his junior, Assistant Manager Kim. Park said, "Kim's work skills are average, but the bosses like him too much," and sighed, "I'm worried he might get promoted faster than me." He continued, "My colleagues pointed out my weaknesses, saying I lack communication skills. They also told me to flatter a bit appropriately, but I just can't do that," he confessed.

Office worker working. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Among office workers, so-called "good talkers" can be perceived as attractive by both supervisors and colleagues. Especially in work presentations that require clear delivery and persuasion, they can leave a strong impression. However, like Assistant Manager Park's concern, many employees struggle to properly convey their opinions or engage in light conversations on everyday topics with their superiors.

Opinions among workers about colleagues with excellent communication skills are mixed. A man in his 40s working as a manager said, "Honestly, isn't it easier to work with employees who speak well?" He added, "(Being a good talker) means they have the ability to organize their thoughts well." He continued, "It can simply be seen as 'good communication,' but it can also be interpreted as having excellent work comprehension skills."

On the other hand, there is a different perspective. Some think it is merely blind flattery toward the boss. An office worker who wished to remain anonymous said, "(Being good at talking with the boss) is usually just flattery. What else would you talk about besides work? Work discussions can be held during meetings." He emphasized, "Calling the words that bosses like to hear 'communication skills' doesn't seem right."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to a survey, many office workers find it difficult to use so-called "company language." In October 2020, Saramin, a job matching platform, conducted a survey on "workplace speaking (company language) proficiency" with 1,441 office workers. The result showed that 95.6% responded that "conversation skills play an important role in work."

Nine out of ten workers believe that "conversation skills" are an important virtue in company life. However, among them, 47.4% reported having difficulties in conversations and felt stressed in awkward situations where they had to refuse politely.

The most difficult phrases to say were "positive words that are unfair but must be answered with 'yes'" (40.5%, multiple responses) and "wise refusal words" (36.4%). Next were "political words for expanding networks and promotion" (26.6%) and "playful words that lead team and company atmosphere" (16.9%). Seven out of ten felt the need for communication coaching to improve their "company language" skills.

The most disliked speaking style was "self-centered and authoritative speech" (54.8%, multiple responses). Following were "not listening to others and only insisting on one's own opinion" (50.9%), "speech full of complaints all day" (42.9%), "negative speech that always says no" (34.3%), and "speech that wastes time with unnecessary explanations" (33.8%). A Saramin official said, "In workplace life where collaboration and coordination are essential, communication skills are as important as professional expertise," adding, "It is essential to convey intentions concisely based on empathy for others and polite language choice."

As a result, some office workers show interest in "communication coaching" to enhance their job competencies. They consult with speech experts to learn good speaking methods and communication techniques that improve interpersonal relationships. For example, some learn "elevator speeches." This involves learning how to express their work concisely and succinctly during small talk or when asked about their tasks while riding an elevator with their boss. A worker in his 30s said, "I deliberately keep up with current affairs or cultural topics that are good conversation starters. I think being good at talking never causes any disadvantage."

An HR official from a company said, "So-called 'good talkers' at least have excellent communication skills. That ability alone can earn good evaluations." He added, "The reason office workers attend speech academies is to have smoother workplace life. However, it would be better if they use that ability for the company rather than just for themselves."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.