Communication is a core skill that everyone should have. From personal relationships to the workplace, we need communication to associate with others. It is the basic model of association, and yet so many people struggle with developing good communication skills.
What Are Good Communication Skills Anyway?
In one word? Effective. Good communication is effective communication where both speaker and listener leave the conversation understanding each other’s needs. Effective communication is so vital in every aspect of your life. Here are eight reasons why you should adopt good communication skills.
Improves Employee Productivity
Employees are more productive when the flow of information from the top is concise, regular, and passes the correct information. It’s really a logical response. If your boss knows how to win friends and influence people in the digital age, is clear on what they expect from you, offers guidance when you need it, and applauds you when you’re doing great, you simply become more motivated to work.
Builds Trust in Your Relationships
Nothing builds trust in relationships more than clear and effective communication. Each partner in the relationship trusts that they can open up about their needs, and the other person will actively listen.
Note that in relationships – between friends, co-workers, and romantic partners – communication is a two-way street. One half of it is actively listening to the other person articulate their needs, while the other half is clearly articulating what you need.
If both parties have effective communication, trust is built when both parties in the relationship know that their needs are listened to and met.
Prevents Misunderstandings and Solves Conflict
Effective communication prevents misunderstandings. If each party clearly communicates their expectations and needs, there are few chances of a misunderstanding. Also, with clear communication of boundaries, the chances of someone crossing a line are pretty small.
Clear communication is also the panacea for conflicts. Effective communication combined with patience will straighten out many conflicts.
Averts Workplace Crises
No workplace is crisis-free. Being in close quarters and working together on projects with different people of different cultures and personalities is difficult. More often than not, crises would come up. The best way to avert and manage these crises is through effective communication.
Listen to the other parties, and clearly communicate your stance without impatience and frustration. You’ll find that crises are quelled as soon as they arise.
Improves Your Decision Making Skills
What does good communication have in common with decision-making? Quite a lot. One of the benefits of clear communication is having information. In the workplace, with friends and a partner, clear communication allows you to have the ‘full picture’. When you have all the information, it’s easier to make great decisions. If you find it difficult to convey your thoughts clearly, you can improve this skill with the help of the best communication skills books.
Also, clear communication allows everyone to be on the same page, so any decisions you make will be in line and not cause a conflict.
Increases Employee Satisfaction and Fulfilment
Communication in the workplace improves employee satisfaction and fulfilment. No one wants to work in a company that disregards the voice and needs of its employees. In the same way, no one wants to work at a place where inter-employee communication is non-existent.
Lack of communication in the workplace encourages a toxic work environment.
Enables Efficient Team Work
Teamwork is a normal part of every company. It is even more common now that people work remotely throughout different countries and time zones. What makes this unique workplace situation effective is good communication.
Team projects will fail if the team members can’t communicate their needs clearly with their co-workers.
Provides Opportunity For Learning and Growth
We learn, re-learn, and grow into the best versions of ourselves by acquiring knowledge and feedback. Both activities require communication.
The former requires communication to share knowledge and information. The latter involves communication about improvement. A culture of clear communication in any relationship opens the door for honest feedback, which in turn improves the person’s quality of life.
Summary
Communication is essential in our dealings with others, whether in the workplace, amongst friends, or within the bounds of a romantic relationship. Improving your communication skills can improve your life in all aspects.
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