Improved communication in business has many advantages, such as more efficient team performance, greater satisfaction for staff and clients, enhanced focus and reduced overall workload.
In our digital age, it can be just easy to over communicate than not communicate at all.
Productive and purposeful
Before communicating in any form, consider:
- What is my goal for the interaction?
- Who is your audience?
- Do I need to be able to refer back to this conversation later on?
If you consider these points before sending emails, letters and setting up meetings, it will save you valuable time and make communication much clearer.
For example, meetings should be time limited, have an agenda and only team members who need to be there should be invited. This prevents frustration and long, inefficient meetings. Especially now that many use modern technology for virtual or hybrid meetings, make sure every attendee knows when, where and how to attend.
Use the right channel
Take advantage of a range of communication channels such as voice calls, texting, emails, in person meetings, instant messaging, video calls and other collaborative platforms.
Pick a platform that users are familiar with and comfortable to use. Some items may be able to be published to an employee intranet or send via an ‘’all staff’’ email. Definitely avoid sending too many of the latter ones. Setting up groups of employees for certain projects or departments may also help – for example to keep track of deadlines, progress and client feedback.
Pristine external communication
If you are regularly communicating with clients, make sure your external communication is precise, clear and free from mistakes and in good taste. This includes not only emails you send, but also marketing messages such as social media or blog posts, newsletters and public service announcements. Spell check your written communication and also check the tone of your message when it comes to responding to client complaints or questions etc. Choose imagery wisely, as this is also a form of communication.
