Good Communication in Business
I venture to say that the vast majority of problems in business are related to communication:
– Good, less good, non-existent… but always communication, or lack of it.
What are the pillars upon which effective communication is based? In my opinion, there are 4, the minimum for a stable foundation.
1. “C’est le ton qui fait la musique“, not what we say but how we say;
2. It is the content, the content of what we say;
3. The relevance of what is said, when it is said and where;
4. The ones I am communicating to, here and now, are really those to whom this communication is supposed to be addressed to?
There are certainly more things to consider about effective communication. I gave preference to the practical aspects of it since too often, over elaborated communications do not reach the audience they are supposed to reach and do not help in achieving the desired objectives.
Communication is always a two-way process. If this is not the case, then, is not communication, it is a monologue – the word of one! That is why it is so important to get to know the reality viewed from different angles.
Good communication is essential to clarify objectives, align strategies, define tasks, identify who is responsible for what… and last but not the least, to have an effective and cohesive team.
Effective communication in business is like the oil that lubricates the engine, allows all its parts to work smoothly avoiding overheating. Effective communication knows how to listen and motivates the participation of all members of the organization, empowering them to be more and more involved in the company´s life. Good communication ensures that all parts of the organization work in achieving the common goal, understanding that tasks and responsibilities are different.
Good communication is powerful and enthusiastic, involves and excites, energizes and takes everyone in the place where the impossible of yesterday, although difficult to achieve, is considered as just another challenge that can be surpassed and overcome today.
Good communication is powerful and enthusiastic, involves and excites, energizes and takes everyone in the place where the impossible of yesterday, although difficult to achieve, is considered as just another challenge that can be surpassed and overcome today.
The objectives of the organization are achievable through the implementation of individual objectives and these rely heavily on the quality of communication. One should not fail to stress however that hard work, cooperation and collaboration among all departments, among all employees and across every layer of the organizational structure of the company, are as well factors of significant importance.
It is essential that communication produces knowledge and that this acquired knowledge, through execution, improve everyone´s skills. This is the only way towards achieving the competitive advantages so necessary to succeed in today´s business life.
How do you get to practice effective communication? Formal or informal communication, between peers at all levels, from managers to employees or vice versa, an effective communication, one that works, in addition to the aspects mentioned above, must always have a common denominator, and that common denominator is Respect. As Luke wrote in the New Testament: “Do to others as you have them do to you!”
Respect for the experience and knowledge. Respect for the responsibilities and tasks of each other. Respect to entities, institutions, customers… if respect is missing from communication, there is no real communication, just sounds that are not registered, even if these sounds are a delight to the ears of those who produce them. But do not delude yourself, only mutual respect for the rights and duties of either party form the solid foundations for progress.
By José Ferreira Duarte
P.S. In future posts I will continue with some reflections on this important area of business life!
