Monday, April 6, 2015

The importance of effective communication

When conveying a message from sender to receiver in proper form and providing positive feedback, I would assume communicating effectively is like taking a walk in the park. Easier said than done, however, being able to communicate effectively involves more than people listening to what I say and believe it or not, I am probably confusing them most of the time when I initially convey an intended message.
 
There are many forms of effective communication managers and leaders introduce to handle different situations in a professional manner, but the overall objective is making sure the idea or message sent is received appropriately in written context or verbal form. I should anticipate certain barriers in the process, for example, I have an employee who is African and pronounce certain words in a different fashion and this barrier can create problems with giving clear and concise feedback.
 
There are three skills I have learned professionally in my time as a manager and proactive leader to ensure effective communication is processed thoroughly within the communication chain channels in small to large businesses and corporations.Through trial and error, we all know messages can change drastically from one person to the other, this can lead to a misunderstanding and a disruption in the flow of information.
 
As a professional, my goal is to be approachable under any circumstances, instill confidence in my fellow coworkers and maintain credibility and trust in conveying vital information needed for a stronger relationship from the top of the hierarchy diagram of managers to lower echelon employees. keep in mind to listen actively, have patience, establish a rapport with subordinates with  these three important skill sets required;
 
 To the point
Whenever there are messages of changes in a workplace, it is the managers responsibility to ensure firsthand supervisors do not procrastinate in the dissemination of communication down to the lower echelon workers, it is good implied rule to be direct as possible using proper tact and good manners.
 
Understanding
Actively listening to the message in its entirety will help me tremendously as a leader or subordinate and improve my ability to communicate. the same method applies if the message is conveyed in a written, verbal or nonverbal form. Do not become uninterested and let your mind wonder off and try to vividly understand what is being said by showing an interest in what is being conveyed.
 
Clarity
Use proper grammar and pronunciations when communicating and try to avoid using slang jargon when doing so, this will cause people to become confused and try not to use words that sound alike. Some people misinterpret words due to the lack of education in the English language and make sure to leave the table open for discussion or input through clarification.
 
In conclusion, I believe effective communication makes the difference in whether business and organizations become successful in todays growing market. Technology has proven to be the  primary source for sending and receiving data, making it easier to communicate in an efficient and timely manner but being a manager/leader in the workplace, physically communicating with employees thoroughly and insisting that those employees give feedback helps to break down the barrier to effective communication.