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Communication Skills – Critical or Cliche?

Communication: the art of understanding and being understood, and connecting with others verbally, visually and physically. Communication is how we share value and meaning, so whilst communication might well be cliché, it’s absolutely critical.

And here’s why……..

SUCCESS AT WORK

Communication skills are not just a desirable requirement; they’re necessary at all stages of the recruitment process – from writing your CV, to being successful at interview. And it doesn’t end there.

At work, you have to communicate well in order to thrive – and survive. You’ll liaise with a diverse range of people and be required to push the sale of your products and services. We don’t say this lightly; good communication may well be make or break for your career and work life, since year after year, businesses have ranked communication first in their top ten desirable skills.

UNDERSTANDING AND BEING UNDERSTOOD

Perhaps more important than the ability to ‘talk the talk’, is the ability and willingness to listen. You must be able to understand instructions and responsibilities given to you, absorb feedback, both positive and negative, and handle it accordingly. You’ll be required to listen to clients and supervisors and meet the needs of both – you won’t do either if you can’t, or won’t, LISTEN.

If someone doesn’t understand what you’re saying, then you haven’t communicated, because bad communication is no communication at all. As George Bernard Shaw himself so splendidly said, “the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”. In order to be understood, you’ll need to pitch ideas effectively, be clear about what your needs are to get the job done, and have open and honest discussions with co-workers and friends alike.

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP

Did you hear about the inspirational leader who had no communication skills? Didn’t think so. When we researched one of our  earlier blogs about “what it takes to be a good leader”, we weren’t surprised to find that those skilled in diplomacy and negotiation (key communication skills) are the most in demand.

Not only does good communication help with management basics such as delegating tasks and managing conflict, good communicators empower those around them to start communicating with one another. In short, decent Communication is nothing short of infectious.

PROGRESS AND GROWTH

As an employee, it’s no longer enough to have an idea; you’ll need the confidence and ability to bring it to the company table. As an employer, you must create an environment where your people are free to share their thoughts without being mocked or dismissed.

If people don’t feel able to communicate new ideas, the only result will be the stifling of innovation, and that’s not good for anybody. In order for your business to grow, it’s brand, tone and message must be communicated across a number of different platforms and by a variety of people. If you’re unable to make this happen, you can’t achieve growth and progress – it’s that simple.

Good communication can change the world; it does so every second, of every hour, of every day. It diffuses conflict, it brings people together and it fosters an environment of support and success.

If you’re left wondering whether you’ve got your communication skills in order, check them against the wise words of Dan Oswald: “communication must be HOT. Honest, Open and Two-way”. That’s communication.

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