To understand why communication is important in business let us first understand its meaning. Communication refers to the act of sharing or exchanging information and developing meaning in the process with the help of language, graphics, signs/symbols via a channel that connects the receiver and the sender.
Imagine a world without communication. What will happen if suddenly people stop talking to each other? Stop expressing their feelings? The result will be chaos! Communication is such an essential and habitual part of us that in its absence life will be meaningless.
Just like individuals, business is a separate entity consisting of a group of people. Communication affects business processes and efficiency at each and every layer of a company. Every aspect of a job depends on communication, and how well an employee can communicate directly correlates with how well he/she can do the job.
Communication includes things like communicating about individual tasks, sharing project status updates, or giving feedback to managers or employees. Knowing how to communicate in the workplace is a key part of effective collaboration—because if you can’t communicate clearly, then there is a risk of miscommunication and confusion. You may even end up unintentionally hurting someone’s feelings.
Communication at the workplace happens face-to-face, in writing, over a video conferencing platform, or in a group meeting. It can also happen real time or asynchronously, which happens when you’re communicating about work over email, with recorded video, or in a platform like a project management tool. Some examples of workplace communication include:
- Team meetings
- Feedback sessions
- Receiving information
- Communicating about project status or progress
- Collaboration on cross-functional tasks
- Nonverbal communication
Effective communication is not only critical within but also outside the organization. Communication can make or break with the clients, vendors and suppliers. A few aspects of work that require good communication outside the organization are:
- Pitching your company to a client
- Building personal relationships with clients, vendors and suppliers
- Understanding what the client wants and clearly communicating that to the relevant teams
- Getting feedback
- Communicating updates or delays
People with good communication skills are likely to be considered for managerial roles since leading is all about being able to deliver your message, explain concepts, give constructive feedback, mentor your team, and solve problems.
Elements Of Good Communication
A good communication:
- Aims for clarity
The purpose of communication to is get the message across to the receiver in a way that there is no ambiguity.
- Seeks to Resolve Problems
A good communication aims to solve problems and promote effective collaboration on a project or task.
- Goes both ways
The information is being exchanged even if only one person is only communicating nonverbally.
Benefits Of Good Communication
Clear, effective workplace communication can:
- Boost employee engagement and belonging
- Encourage team building
- Increase productivity
- Build a healthy workplace and organizational culture
- Mitigate and resolve conflict both within and outside the organization
- Increase employee & customer retention by understanding needs
- Present new information in a way in which the client will be more receptive
In short, good communication isn’t just about being able accurately and concisely present information and ideas. It is integral to sales, client relationships, team development, company culture, employee engagement and buy-in.
