The 5 Steps to Strong Communication

From the CEO to the employees - great communication is the blood life of any succesful organization. Great communication builds trust, trust increases productivity, and productivity leads to success. Conversely, poor communication (usually due to a lack of self-awareness) inevitably demotivates staff and instills a lack of confidence in the organization. It's never to late to kick it up a notch and become the first-class communicator you know you can be. It's time to take action!

1) Define goals and expectations
Who are you talking to? What should they expect to have by the end of your conversation? Are you tailoring your message to them specifically? Let people know what exactly they should expect from you, what you expect from them, and how you will achieve this together.

2) Clearly Deliver Your Message
The most compelling messages are clear and simple! Avoid overusing jargon and unnecessary tangents and make it as easy as possible to understand.

3) Choose your platform wisely
It's not just what you say, but how it's delivered. The message comes across differently via email than in person, or via powerpoint versus an interactive showcase. Ask yourself which platform will evoke the result you desire and choose from there.

4) Keep Everyone Involved
People only know what they can see, so ensure that lines of communication are kept open at all times. Actively seek and encourage feedback and project updates, and especially stay connected when dealing with remote staff.

5) Listen and Show Empathy 
Understanding your customers and colleagues is the heart of strong communication. Before responding, consider your audience's point of view to build ongoing trust and a unified vision.