Originally published on timebusinessnews.com
Running a business involves managing people and requires effective organizational communication to do it successfully. Unfortunately, poor communication skills on the job often translate into high employee turnover, high-conflict environments, and hectic workflows. Every company’s leadership team should know what good business communication is and set an example for the rest of the employees. In this article, Scott Crockett, Everest Business Funding’s CEO, defines good communication and goes over the most critical business communication skills you need to develop as a leader.
What is Good Business Communication?
Since earning a profit determines whether a business stays afloat or not, business communication is often focused on increasing the profitability of a business and decreasing expenses. Although accomplishing business objectives is essential to running a successful company, at an extreme, it can quickly turn into ignoring the people who work for the company. Instead, successful communicators know how to be relatable and empathetic, get their point across concisely and effectively, use humor when appropriate, and listen actively.
If you are a business leader looking to improve your business communication skills, start with the following suggestions and gradually expand your skillset. As with any upskilling effort, lean on your natural strengths and abilities and get support in the areas where you lack experience.
Teamwork Skills
Business leaders know that you can’t accomplish business success on your own without the help of your team. Effective business communicators are skilled at building and developing their teams. They know how to create rapport with the team members, delegate tasks, follow up on progress, inspire them to put their best foot forward, and clear up any misunderstandings as they happen. Successful teamwork and collaboration require the leader to be emotionally intelligent, empathic, and self-aware.
Presentation Skills
Organizational communication often requires leaders and managers to speak in front of their teams at meetings, conferences, or presentations. Great public speakers read their audience to effectively deliver information and adjust their performance based on the group they are speaking in front of. Many leaders are hesitant to talk in front of large groups of people due to the fear of making mistakes or not being perceived as authoritative and credible. You may want to address your biggest fears related to public speaking before speaking to a group. Practices such as mindfulness and breathing exercises can help stay grounded and calm during the presentation.
Effective Listening
Many people forget that communication is a two-way street. To deliver information effectively, you have to listen carefully and notice non-verbal cues. Paying attention to the person you are talking to makes them feel appreciated and heard, and they are more likely to be open and receptive to what you have to say in return. Try not to interrupt the person you are speaking with but instead nod and say encouraging words such as, “I agree” or “Yes.”
Written Communication
In the world of digital communication, it’s increasingly common to use digital tools instead of in-person conversations. Knowing when to craft an email, jump on a call or set up a Zoom meeting is an essential business communication skill. Keep your email communications as concise as possible; remember that you have a permanent record of what was said. Avoid engaging in back and forth conversations over email – if something needs to be discussed in-depth, set up a phone call or in-person meeting instead. Always double-check the facts you are stating in the emails to avoid misunderstandings. As with any digital channel, emails can often be misinterpreted, so try not to jump to conclusions without calmly asking clarifying questions first.
About Scott Crockett
Scott Crockett is the founder and CEO of Everest Business Funding. He is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience in the finance industry. Mr. Crockett’s track record includes raising more than $250 million in capital and creating thousands of jobs. Scott has founded, built, and managed several finance companies in the consumer and commercial finance sectors.