How many of you have ever been misunderstood? Maybe you could not find the right words, the other parties did not listen as intently as they should have or have suffered an awkward silence because neither of you could find anything to say. The root of the issue remains the same: ineffective communication. In my experience, ineffective communication has a significant impact on our business relationships. I would guess that a number of you reading this have lost a client or an important contract due to lackluster communication; needs were not properly outlined, terms were vague, or attitudes and egos did more to stifle communication rather than promote it. Every aspect of a successful business depends on clear and concise communication, whether spoken or written, as the sustaining life force. To my amazement, there are still some business leaders that struggle with clear effective communication.
Effective communication helps build a stronger team and, in turn, a more productive workforce. The first lines of communication that need to be built are internal and considered to be the most critical aspect of a company’s success. It fosters innovation, trust, and promotes a positive work environment. Clear internal communication allows everyone to be on the same page, clearing up any confusion that can lead to costly results. This can increase productivity and profitability, thereby building upon the success of the company.
With productive communication in place, companies can turn their focus from internal to external. External communication (marketing strategies, press releases, blog posts, etc.) can be just as beneficial or damaging. Although marketing strategies have shifted dramatically over the past few decades from traditional print sources to the internet or social media platforms, their success can always be traced back to effective communication.
The limitless ways by which communication can drastically impact a business speaks to its power. As is seen with all powerful men and women in history, the wielding of this power can result in immense success and enrichment, or detrimental failure. The same can be said for businesses. It is important to note that internal and external communication are not mutually exclusive. Good internal communication can promote or influence good external communication, and vice versa. They must both be used to strengthen the other. Through proper utilization of communication, corporations can flourish and propel themselves into unprecedented realms of success. And that is what we all hope to achieve!