“…most employees in Australia and New Zealand will readily tell us that poor communication causes more organisational problems than any other single issue. Poor communication makes for low morale and poor results.” ~ Kris Cole “Supervision – Management in Action“
Communication is fundamental to all working relationships, but bad communication causes more controversy in business and industry than any other factor.
As organisations grow bigger communication deteriorates. The larger the organisation the more impersonal communication can feel. With some government departments and multi-nationals employing millions of people lines of communication become stretched and can break down.
At the same time people expect to be treated as individuals, they need to be consulted, informed, given the opportunity to air their points of view and to have those opinions respected. Attempting to bridge this gap is the role of the good communicator.
The Communication Process
The really sad truth about communications is that what you believe you have said is not the point. What is important is what people think you have said and how the message has been received.
Miscommunication – or Communication Breakdown
Breakdown in Communication is costly to business. It wastes time, money and importantly customer goodwill. The effect of miscommunication on the team can be reduction in morale, a breakdown in teamwork and personality conflicts.
There are many reasons for this, often misinterpretation is the key to misunderstanding, and at a Trischel Seminar we look at ways in which you can overcome this by ensuring that your tone of voice, your body language and your gesture enhance and support the message without distorting it.
Effective communication is vital to the quick and accurate transmission of information and instruction. Effective communication skills allow important ideas to be aired and new solutions to be considered. Effective communication is one of the most important elements in avoiding mistakes which costs business both time and money.
While much communication in business today is conducted by electronic means, it is the personal communication skill – the public speaking – which in the final analysis is the most effective way of communicating your information, your message or your instructions.
This is why at Trischel we focus on your personal presentation skills – The skill that allows you to express your point of view, to impart your knowledge clearly and concisely. Sometimes the hi-tech presentation aids become the presentation and suppress the personal interaction which is essential if we are to persuade people to our point of view.
So is Effective Communication an art, a science or a practical skill which can be learnt?
It is a simple practical skill that can be learnt, and once learnt it becomes an art, and as soon as something becomes an art someone is sure to turn it into a science! At a Trischel Seminar we work to improve your ability to sell your message by organising your information; we will show you how to persuade people of your point of view by promoting and defending your ideas; and how to enthuse and motivate groups to adopt your proposals.
All these skills form the art of communication, but they are easily leant principles which will improve your ability to communicate, not just at work, but also in the social sphere.
So, are most customer complaints due to simple misunderstandings? How do you communicate with staff and clients? How much time is wasted fixing up problems caused by miscommunication?
Having answered those, how about this one ~ How much would you gain by attending a Trischel Communication Workshop? Trischel can help one person, one team or one organisation. Contact us at info@trischel.com.au and discuss your communication training needs with us.
Michele @ Trischel