Global Workplace & Sustainable Business Model Blog

Every person communicates with others daily. Whether you are trying to communicate or not, your actions, body language, facial expression and posture all communicate something in some way. There is no way to avoid communicating with another even if you choose not to speak. It is said that the mere act of attempting not to communicate is communicating in some way. Effective interpersonal communication however is something that can be difficult to accomplish. It is difficult for you to be certain that another person is understanding what you are saying and not misinterpreting your meaning.

Communication is an important aspect of every business, being a great communicator can increase overall company performance. Building an effective and cohesive team requires good communication skills. It is essential in management and can minimize potential risk in the workplace when everyone is clear about their role and the company's vision. It is particularly important in times of high stress such as when a company downsizes or when there are management changes to be forthright in what is going on, who will be affected, and how the company will transition. Good communication is crucial in building and maintaining customer relations, it is important when dealing with complaints and effective when creating marketing campaigns. The 7 Ways to be a good communicator at work are concepts for those wishing to improve their corporate environment through listening, open dialogue, regularity of communication, using simplicity plus repetition to equal retention, practicing good communication, symbiotic relationships, and acting as a gatekeeper.

For anyone in the workplace whether in a managerial position or at an entry level, effective communication is the most necessary way to connect with employees.  While communication is important, it is also overlooked at times. Those in entry level positions must learn to communicate with other staff members, however, communication in effective management is not only required but is also a necessity. If you are in a position of authority, you must learn how to effectively communicate with your team for fluid output, and for an overall pleasant employee to manager relationship.

An organization cannot be successful without engaged employees. These employees are the ones dedicated to their jobs and committed to do the best they can to achieve the goals the company is asking them to reach. If the management only pays attention to bringing in clients and product development then they are missing part of the equation to success. The management must also work to engage every employee fully.

Influence is often the most powerful tool you have for building a successful project, career or company. Are you a thought leader in your world? What can you do to increase your influence, increasing your overall effectiveness? Here are some areas you can concentrate on in order to keep expanding your influence (and therefore, your actual authority).

Making your ideas "sticky" can help you in many forums, whether it is communicating more effectively with your team, other managers or with prospective business partners. Here is a primer for ensuring that your own messages resonate: 

“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success” - Anonymous

The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. 
- William James

To coach is to act in a way that promotes the continual development of the skills of the people in your organization.            ~Daniel A. Feldman, Ph.D

The ability to give constructive feedback is at the core of good leadership skills.  How do measure up in this area? Giving feedback can be a delicate tightrope walk, and the more you hone your skills, the better results you will get.  When it is time to give feedback, ask yourself these three questions: