In the field of communication and in that of management, there are two styles of communication: external communication and internal communication. External communication is that which is established and sent to customers and all of the company's external partners. As for internal communication, it is simply communication within the company itself. Both communications are equally important.
Communication plays a fundamental role in all facets of the business. It is therefore very important that the internal communication within your organization as well as the communication skills of your employees are effective.
The ability to communicate efficiently with your superiors, colleagues, and other team members is essential no matter what company you are operating in.
Types of Different Communication
Different communication contexts can be distinguished, also according to the following scheme:
Vertical communications: these take place between subjects located at different levels of the corporate hierarchical structure.
Horizontal communications: these take place between subjects placed at the same level of the corporate hierarchical structure.
Transversal communications: these take place between subjects placed at the same hierarchical level, but belonging to different areas of the company organization.
Knowing How To Communicate Is As Important As Knowing How To Listen
By “listening”, in this context, we allude to the recipient's ability to decode the message received.
In fact, the recipient has the task of understanding what has been transmitted by the sender, also through the adoption of a different point of view, the understanding of the feelings at stake, and the willingness to find an agreement.
Listening, to be defined effectively must be active and empathetic.
In the pursuit of functional communication, therefore, we must not remain focused only on the message, but also on what is happening, trying to understand everything that a person transmits.
How To Communicate Better In The Workplace
The ability to communicate ideas effectively through texts or orally is not innate, so anyone can improve this aspect. In this sense, the following tips on how to communicate better - as far as oral expression is concerned - are very useful:
· Read to improve spelling and vocabulary.
· Practice body language in front of the mirror.
· Make eye contact to build trust.
· Be precise.
· Listen to classmates and ask questions when in doubt.
· Approach the conversation from an emotional perspective.
In the case of written communication, some recommendations are:
· Organize the writing of a document in a concise and attractive way according to the recipient.
· Use punctuation marks correctly.
· Prefer short paragraphs and rely on subtitles to facilitate reading.
· Use stylistic resources to capture the interest of the reader and ensure understanding of the message.
Importance of Good Communication in the Workplace
Here are five reasons that will better explain the importance of effective communication in business.
Contributes To the Growth of the Company
A lack of communication can lead to the collapse of the entire organization. While this is a bold statement, with no guarantee of internal and external marketing and communication, most organizations will struggle to survive. Communication can also lead to productivity and helps to avoid unnecessary delays in the implementation of policies.
Maintain Team Spirit
A team whose members are familiar with one another and get along well will automatically communicate more effectively. The smooth operation of the project requires that each employee feels involved and driven by a common goal, which can only be achieved by developing and nurturing a good understanding within the team.
Outside of work, the organization of social activities brings troops together and stimulates exchanges in a calm and casual environment. You may, for example, hold frequent lunches with the entire company, plan sporting events to teach people how to work together, or simply use the coffee break to get to know one another. This is the ideal time to have a casual conversation and unwind. Employees are more easily forced to make proposals when they are not under the constraint of more formal meetings, therefore a solution to a problem or a new concept may occur during these times.
Conflict Prevention
If there is a breakdown in communication between coworkers or between supervisors and subordinates, issues can surface quickly. If you take the time to talk and speak openly with each other, however, misunderstandings and disputes are more likely to occur. Even without malice, if a side expresses itself in an ambiguous manner, it may be enough to cause disagreement. In these instances, communicating more and in a more effective manner is quite beneficial. Communication training can assist people in better understanding one another.
Creativity
New ideas are sparked by conversations. With similar interactions, creativity can grow in an open and encouraging environment. Tasks can be completed better and faster using new ideas. This is true not only inside a team but also in the interchange of ideas between departments, all the way up to management. People from the outside are frequently the source of fresh ideas.
Productivity
Managers can better grasp each employee's strengths and shortcomings if they take the time to look after them. Tasks may be better dispersed, further training can be targeted, and skills can be nurtured in this fashion. Teams can also be better created if employees are better known in the workplace due to strong communication. As a result, several personalities with varying capacities can be perfectly built. In the medium term, these changes boost the company's overall productivity.
Good Internal Communication: More Productivity And Commitment
Some employers neglect internal communication, but it plays a major role in the operation of a company.
Informing employees about current changes and projects allows them to be involved in the company. They don't feel left out, know why they are working, and are therefore more motivated. Good internal communication has a direct impact on the level of employee engagement. If they know of the successes or failures of the business, they will want to get more involved in maintaining or turning the situation around. Internal communication can help foster a more productive and talented workforce.
Then, good corporate relations facilitate employee involvement. It is about creating links between collaborators. For example, by carrying out internal events or monthly outings between employees. Groups will form naturally. The creation of corporate culture involves, in particular, moments of conviviality and mutual aid. This promotes a relaxed atmosphere, strengthens teamwork, and a positive work environment.
What Are The Obstacles To Good Corporate Communication?
Good corporate communication is essential for the smooth running of activities. However, we are not immune to certain obstacles that can hamper this communication.
There are four main obstacles to good corporate communication: poor understanding of messages, judgments made by employees, fear of hierarchy, and filtering (voluntary or involuntary) of information.
In fact, judgments made by employees often result in excessive ego. Under the pretext of personal considerations or opinions can undermine internal communication. This will adversely affect the operation of the business. Regarding the misunderstanding of the messages, it can be related to the terms used. If they are not understood by your collaborators then the meaning of the message may be distorted or truncated. When employees fear hierarchy, it is difficult for them to communicate frankly and sincerely with their leaders. And this not only affects the quality of communication but also productivity. And finally, information filtering concerns cases of loss of messages. When information is given,