Good communication is at the core of every great company. Communication is not only being able to get a point across when you speak. It also includes listening, writing, and non-verbal methods such as body language.
Effective communication depends on whether others can determine what you’re trying to convey in your message. You might have taken classes that included concepts such as, “How to get things done,” “How to communicate so others will respond immediately,” or maybe even, “How to say jump so people will ask ‘How high?’”
But at its core, communication is a two-way street. In Linguistics 101 or Communication for Beginners, the first thing you learn about communication is its three elements:
➢ A sender
➢ A receiver
➢ A message
A message is worth little if the receiver doesn’t get it, or doesn’t know what to do with it. This is why the two-way avenue is vital when it comes to communication. In your company, determine that you will use the medium of communication to build relationships, achieve mutual understanding, and foster a positive and vibrant environment.
Four Steps of Great Communication:
It is well worth it to encourage your team to improve in all forms of communication. Jada Pinkett Smith once stated, “My belief is that communication is the best way to create strong relationships.”
You can begin building such strong relationships today by honing the skill of communication. Above, we mentioned the three basic elements of communication: a sender, a receiver, and a message. Here are four steps the “sender” can take in order for positive and effective communication to naturally occur:
1. Recognize that the receiver has a unique set of wants, needs, and perspectives.
2. Remain attentive to any signals the “receiver” is sending back; non-verbal communication or hedges might indicate waning confidence or lack of understanding.
3. Respect the different ways in which people absorb information, and cater your communication to the receiver’s style. Would they prefer a written communique, a phone call, or a one-on-one meeting?
4. Respond positively to the message that you receive in response, even if there was a misunderstanding or break in communication somewhere.
Take time to regularly evaluate the perceptions of others, listen to your team, and get outside views on your communication skills. Do what it takes to improve your communication skills. It is that important.
Grow Big or Go Home!