Being a forensic supervisor comes with its own set of challenges, and one common issue that many individuals in this position face is unintentionally coming across as sassy or disrespectful to their chain of command. While it may not be your intention, this behavior can hinder your professional growth and damage relationships with your superiors. In this blog post, we will explore some practical strategies to help you eliminate sassiness from your communication with your chain of command and maintain a positive and respectful work environment.
1. Be Mindful of Your Tone
One of the most significant factors contributing to sassiness is the tone of your voice or written messages.
When communicating with your chain of command, pay attention to how you express yourself. Avoid using sarcastic or condescending remarks; instead, strive for a neutral and professional tone.
If needed, take a moment to pause and reflect on your response before delivering it. Pro tip: Make sure your eyes don’t do a loop while you do this.
2. Practice Active Listening
Effective communication is a two-way street. To avoid misunderstandings and potential sassiness, practice active listening when interacting with your chain of command. Give them your full attention, ensure you understand their expectations clearly, and ask clarifying questions if needed.
By actively listening and seeking understanding, you can respond in an informed and respectful manner.
3. Choose Your Words Wisely
Words have immense power, and how you express yourself can significantly impact how others perceive you.
Instead of reacting impulsively, take the time to select your words carefully. Use clear and concise language while avoiding unnecessary fluff or filler words. Communicate your thoughts respectfully, sticking to the facts without appearing aggressive.
4. Maintain a Professional Demeanor
As a forensic supervisor, it is crucial to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. This includes being mindful of your body language, facial expressions, and overall attitude. Avoid rolling your eyes or making dismissive gestures when interacting with your superiors.
Instead, practice positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, standing tall, and engaging in conversations.
5. Seek Feedback and Act on It
If you are unsure how your communication style comes across, consider seeking feedback from a trusted colleague, mentor, or supervisor.
Requesting constructive criticism can provide valuable insights into areas needing improvement. Once you receive feedback, take it seriously and work towards implementing the necessary changes.
Being open to growth and continuous improvement is critical in developing effective communication skills.
6. Develop Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence plays an essential role in workplace interactions.
It involves being aware of your emotions and those of others, managing them effectively, and expressing empathy. By developing your emotional intelligence, you can successfully navigate sensitive situations with your chain of command, minimizing potential sassiness and building stronger professional relationships.
7. Reflect and Learn from Mistakes
Nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes. If you find yourself slipping into sassiness despite your best efforts, take the time to reflect on the situation. Consider what triggered your response and how you could have handled it differently. Learn from your mistakes and strive to avoid similar situations in the future. Apologizing when necessary also shows maturity and a commitment to personal growth.
Remember, improving your communication skills takes time and effort. By implementing these strategies consistently, you can gradually eliminate sassiness from your interactions with your chain of command. Not only will this foster a more positive and respectful work environment, but it will also contribute to your professional development as a forensic supervisor.
Need extra help? Join the webinar!
Set Yourself Up For Success: A Proactive Approach to Build Relationships with Your Chain of Command
The relationship you develop with your chain of command can make or break your forensic units, and it is your responsibility as the leader to develop the skills you need to build the bridge between your forensic units and your higher-ups.
This webinar will review tips for building a connection with command staff and the importance of having a progressive relationship with your chain of command.
COURSE LOGISTICS
Instructor: Lacey Oden
Date: Monday, January 29, 2024
Times: 11:00am – 1:00pm EDT
Location: Wherever you can login!
Tuition Cost: $100.00
Ready to join the discussion on chain of command interactions?
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PSSTTT… It’s Social Media Free!
What makes the Gap Science Family online community truly special is that we understand the stigma social media platforms create throughout your forensic career. Many prefer to stay off platforms like Facebook or Instagram altogether, which is why we’ve created a dedicated space where you can feel safe to interact and network with like-minded individuals without the hassle of social media.
How does it work? It’s free to join, but we have opted to make it a private space where all members must be approved by our admin so we can do our best to keep out the robots and spam.
Most of the spaces within the community are free to access, including forums where you can swap files, post job openings, advertise your forensic merch, announce upcoming training, and even share your wins! In the future, you may also see private spaces designated for students in our paid courses.
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FORENSIC-SPECIFIC TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT ARE OFTEN LACKING (OR JUST PLAIN NON-EXISTENT!)
While forensic technician courses are widely available, they may not prepare you for new roles and responsibilities.
Generic leadership courses also may not address the unique challenges of a Forensic Unit. What if you could access forensic-specific training and resources to support your career growth?
Gap Science training courses and resources may be just what you’re looking for!
Ready to take the next steps in your supervisor training? Check out our Courses – Here!
Stop Coming Off Sassy!
There’s More, New Taboo Topics episodes will be published at the beginning of every month in 2023! Currently, we’re available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Anchor.
