Effective business communication sample

Businesses often ask employees to complete projects that require they work as a team. Working together has many benefits, including the possibility to create new friendships, a sense of group accomplishment and distribution of responsibilities. Conversely, teamwork also may cause tension and anxiety among employees because of poor communication. Effective communication can eliminate much of the stress and negative feelings sometimes associated with working closely as a team. Business owners should encourage their employees to communicate with one another clearly when working together. This is especially important for smaller companies, whose employees often must work closely with one another.

Characteristics

To have effective communication in the work place, team members must keep an open mind, engage in active listening and have a clear understanding of project goals and requirements. Active listening is perhaps the most important of these. Active listening involves note taking, asking relevant questions and repeating what the other person says to verify clarity.

Effects

Effective communication determines the success or failure of projects requiring teamwork, and ultimately, the business itself. When team members communicate with open minds, and by asking questions rather than making assumptions, they build trust and harmony in the working environment. These elements work together to create a business culture of camaraderie and success.

Related Reading: What Are Some Communication Techniques and How Do They Work in a Team Environment?

Training

Companies interested in ensuring that their employees know how to communicate effectively can purchase training materials through various business consulting companies that specialize in interpersonal communication. Alternatively, local organizations may offer training seminars taught by experts that employees can attend. Here they can engage in role-playing activities and communication games to enforce newly learned skills and techniques.

Types

Employees at every level of an organization must communicate with others in a variety of ways. Types of communications include e-mail, traditional letter writing, phone conversation and face-to-face exchange of ideas. Each platform has its own set of etiquette rules and skill sets. With proper training in communication skills and techniques, employees often improve their effectiveness across all communication platforms.

Warnings

Managers must have an awareness of the signs of poor communication among employees. Missed project deadlines and slow progress toward problem solving can indicate communication issues. Teams that spend too much time discussing strategies rather than implementing them could be lacking the communication skills necessary to delegate tasks and get the job done. Other indications of poor communication skills include no clear team direction or focus, team dissension and arguing among team members. Taking steps to train employees to communicate and work as a team can change the working environment in a positive way, increasing productivity and revenue.