It’s easy to say that a business prioritises good communication. I mean, what’s the alternative? But simply saying you have it isn’t the same as actually embodying the principles themselves. Today we’re going to break down communication in a business setting, and exactly what it means for your business as a whole, at every possible level. This advice could end up saving you a lot of problems down the line!
On An Individual Basis
This is usually the benchmark for good communication at a basic level. How do your employees communicate? Do they micromanage and sabotage each other? Do they use effective software like Slack to communicate with each other, or Oracle ECM to get vital information? If your communication is breaking down at the most basic level, what does that really say about your business? Fostering good communication habits starts at the top, and it’s a no-brainer to encourage employees to do the same. Using events and seminars to encourage communication skills is a great start, but it’s also advisable to do so on a personal level. After all, it’s impossible to run a truly successful business without a healthy, competent culture of open communication and support.
Company-Wide
Any company large enough to have multiple departments will inevitably run into problems when these departments need to communicate. A vital email sent to someone who’s on holiday can result in massive lost profits or other serious consequences for the company. Departments should have multiple points of contact between them at all levels, to ensure vital information gets to where it needs to go. This will help reduce the risk of communication breakdown and facilitate better performance by linked departments. Reinforcing bonds between different company groups also has the ancillary benefit of making a more positive work environment overall.
B2B And Global
Communications between whole organisations are a whole different ball game. They’re usually carried out in the form of contracts and meetings, in other words super-formalised procedures to prevent misunderstandings that might stem from language barriers, legal wording or general poor word usage. When dealing with huge business deals that can have seven figures in the balance, any holdup or issue can invoke huge losses, so keeping things absolutely clear is of paramount importance. This is the arena in which communication skills are tested to their utmost, and it’s vital to keep on top of the situation wherever possible.
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to say that good communication is an important aspect of good business at every level, and failing to adhere to the tenets of proper communication can result in disaster for any business. Hopefully, by avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be able to look at how you communicate in a business setting and make the improvements you need to make. It’s never too late to start implementing the best communication practices, and the longer you wait, the more catching up you’ll have to do. It’s always better to start early and get ahead of the competition in a meaningful way.
