One of the common challenges faced by leaders is how they will be able to express their ideas and how to understand what their members are communicating.
A common definition of communication is that there's a receiver, a messenger and a channel where messages passes through. To look deeper in the meaning of communication, let us look at the dynamics of communication - It is knitting which holds organizations together - and the thread which keeps coming apart; the greatest single influence on organizational effectiveness; needs a lot more effort and sensitivity that is often shown; based on assumptions, and debased by assumptions (no matter how hard you try!); cannot be perfected. If done properly, communication connects members.
If you really want to improve communication in organization, one of the first challenges for you is to accept that many finds difficulty expressing his feelings and many are not good listeners. It could be because only few give effort in getting our message across to others. When communicating, most of us take little advantage of the various media that could facilitate better communication.
The truth is that the consequences of low standards of communication are far-reaching; yet most of us accept or tolerate low standards of communication in our communities - even when we know the cost and waste involved.
Understanding the causes of failure in communication will help us improve our skills. Some of these failures include beliefs that we are limited by the distractions present in our surroundings. We tend to lose focus when we talk to others or listen to what they are telling us. The tendency to assume we know what is being communicated also limit us to listen properly.
So how can we become an effective communicator? Let us go back to basic.
- Simplify your Message - Don't use technical words that only you and those who have the same profession can understand. Use simple words that they'll be able to understand.
- See the person - Before you speak, make sure that the other person is ready to listen. Know your audience.
- Show the truth - Always show facts and validated information. It would be best if you can use references.
- Seek a Response - You can validate from your listener if he understood your messages by asking questions, or asking him to rephrase what you said. When you seek response, you are saving time and effort, specifically if you are giving instruction. Because it will help them get the jobs done the first time without making a mistake.
We hope that these few pointers will help you in communicating with your members.
