How To Communicate Effectively
When we communicate better, we get things done easier and faster.
Human interaction is enhanced through effective communication.
Be it at home, school, places of worship, outdoor activities or wherever we find ourselves, we get things done through prompt information. We get things done effectively done when we are rightly communicated with, it also aids us personally or in our respective teams.
Communication Could Take These Forms
- Verbal Communication
This seems like the common and obvious thing around us. It makes use of the spoken word, either face-to-face or remotely.
- Non-Verbal Communication
This transmits messages or signals through eye-contact, facial expressions, gestures and posture.
- Visual Communication
This method conveys ideas and information in forms that can be seen. It relies on broad spectrums that include advertisement, illustration, drawings, signs and colour.
Communication is a simple process, yet it shows complexity in some aspects. Different ways of communication and the distances over which one is required to transfer information makes it complicated.
A survey was carried out by Emergenetics (an organizational development company that uses psychometric research and behavioural studies to advise and consult business and individuals on how to access human capital) across 150 professionals from all career levels and industries; the first question on the survey being “What challenges do your teams face regularly?” was fascinating as it highlighted the need for clarity and communication in the workplace over meeting deadlines and completing tasks.
While 28% of respondents mentioned meeting deadlines as an issue, 29% mentioned the ability to realize group objectives, the percentage in communication deficiencies was double the amount and the top challenge for teams. The challenge of lack of communication in the workplace is impacting team performance was acknowledged by 59% of the participants. This statistic enlightens the need to keep training both executives and teams about the basis of communication at the workplace, understanding how people work and learning to relate to each other.
Effective communication allows employees to get clear and definite instructions, which enables them to act according to what is expected of them. When improvement is noticed in accountability, productivity is increased at the workplace. Effective communication may include precise and clear instructions, fast message delivery and proper explanation are some, if not all the keys to solid cooperation between managers and employees. Get more information here.
Ways To Improve Communication
- Define your goals and expectations.
- Deliver your message.
- Choose the medium you intend to use carefully.
- Be attentive and show empathy.
Benefits Of Productive Communication In The Workplace
Effective communication and productivity go hand in hand; organizations, where employees speak openly and honestly with their co-workers and leaders, will thrive because of the benefits of being clear while communicating. Let’s take a look at some of them:
- Accountability is increased at all levels in the organization — from the front-line workers to managers, leaders and owners.
- Misunderstandings and mistakes are drastically reduced because everyone is clear on what needs to be done rather than relying on assumptions.
- Time management is improved.
- Employees are valued, hence they become engaged and are willing to perform at their best.
- When managers and leaders are strong communicators, they can manage their teams.
- Growth is visible.
When everyone understands what you are trying to say clearly, you will notice that your work becomes much smoother and your firm, organization or company becomes more productive.
