Communication is vital if you want your business to grow. I do not know one single person who does not want their business to flourish. Incorporating simple communication techniques will communicate to your upper management, peers, employees and clients that you are essential for the growth of the organization.
“Wait – are you going to put this on the internet?”
Management is expected to use effective communication skills across many channels, such as the phone, email, and face to face. It is also necessary to understand how to communicate in stressful or negative situations as well.
Today professionals are required to communicate in many formats. We are sending emails, using messaging programs, answering the phone and interacting face to face with employees, peers, management and clients. Effective communication is different depending on how and who you are communicating with in any correspondence.
Be sure you understand what message you want to convey and understand who is receiving the information. Be sure to be straight forward with what you are saying, be clear and double check any written correspondence for grammatical errors, typos or word usage mistakes. Or, dive into some really great questions if you’re feeling adventurous. Hone ALL of your communication skills.
No – It’s Not Just Complaining
Most of us has had management that only came to gripe about everything that was done wrong on each and every project. Don’t be that manager. Praise can be given even if the project didn’t go so well. Hey they showed up, thank them for that. Then constructively critique their work.
Point out what went wrong and then suggest a solution. Having a conversation instead of a lecture will get more positive results. This rightly-ordered communication builds confidence and motivates employees, which in turn reflects positively on your position in your organization.
Sometimes it is required to deliver negative communication. An employee may need to be let go or a client hasn’t paid for services rendered, it may fall on you to resolve each of these issues. The important thing is to be calm and confident. Breathe and stay in control of the conversation even if it turn confrontational. It’s hard to be the “bad guy” and carry out what often is viewed as a negative part of your job but it always boils down to what is important for your organizations growth.
If possible think about attending seminars and workshops to further enhance your communication skills. For now, let’s dive into the 5 tips.
5 Tips for Effective Management Communication
Okay – “eye contact” does not give you the right to be creepy.
1. Be precise in all communications whether it is via phone, email, text, or documents. Make sure that everyone will be able to understand exactly what it is you are saying.
2. Watch your body language as you communicate, stand tall, sit straight and don’t fidget. Project confidence with your body language as well as your words. Click here for PDF notes I took on a great body language book.
3. Making eye contact makes others feel like you are listening. If you are looking at other things or looking above and beyond them they feel you are not paying attention. So when you are having a conversation look at the person you are talking to, make eye contact. You will also learn a lot about what they are saying by watching their body language as well.
4. Listen to the person talking. Using active listening skill informs the speaker that you hear what they are saying. Ask questions to clarify anything you are uncertain about and show interest in what the speaker has to say.
5. In the event of negative communication or confrontations remember to stay calm. Keep your voice level and breathe deeply. If you stay calm you can control the communication, directly influencing the outcome.
Ready to be More Purposeful in Your Communications?
There are proven techniques to effective management communication, find the ones that work for you and your leadership style and go with it. It’s vital for management to communicate the needs and goals of the organization to employees and clients alike.
It is equally important for your organization to understand the needs and goals of employees and clients. It is a growing relationship and any strong relationship has as its foundation practical, charitable, and effective communication.