Make Improved Communication A Priority In Business

Make Improved Communication A Priority In Business

Tue Mar 10, 2015

Think about the old game of telephone: one person says a sentence or phrase, which is passed along to other people through a chain. In the end, without fail, the message has been changed or distorted.

On a much larger, less comical scale, this happens in business all too often, and the results can be very costly. The fact is, in order for any business to thrive, there needs to be successful communication within its entire structure—internally and externally, with customers, and throughout the supply chain. If the supply chain, for instance, fails to communicate effectively with different members and links in the chain, consistency and quality are sacrificed.

Furthermore, many companies fail to form a cohesive chain within their structure itself. Different departments have different roles and different focus points. Purchasers focus on cost, marketers focus on appeal, etc. and the only way to truly have everyone work in unison is to communicate effectively. This means not only communicating clearly but also listening attentively, in the end identifying your goals and unifying them for the long term success of the organization.

There are some solid ways to improve your company’s communication and see positive results. They include:

• The Correct Communication: While 99 out of 100 people will choose to communicate via email these days, sometimes it just isn’t the best, most direct form of relaying information. Sometimes a face-to-face meeting or a phone call is most appropriate. Evaluate what you’re conveying and decide if perhaps an in-person meeting is better than a quick email that can be dismissed or misconstrued.
• The Delivery: You know that old saying, “If you want something done right, do it yourself”? This is especially true when trying to get an important point across. Whether you need to communicate a critical goal, a problem, a request, or a strategy, don’t send someone else to deliver your message. If it’s important to you and your team, it helps to take the time to deliver the message directly.
• The Concrete: Never assume that what you’re trying to get across has been received and understood. Instead, deliver your message in concrete terms. Tell your staff members and colleagues exactly what it is you are trying to communicate and make sure they understand it. If there’s a problem with the supply chain, reach out directly to the proper person and tell them exactly what the problem is, and how it needs to be solved. Be direct and clear.

Whatever you’re making, selling, or providing, your business is too important to risk on the game of telephone. Keep the communication a priority, and you’ll net numerous advantages.