Communication is the foundation for every business relationship, whether it’s relationships with clients, colleagues, or subordinates. What’s more, the level and quality of communication in a team or organization has a direct impact on its success. Unfortunately, however, communication skills are some of the most oft-cited skills lacking in the current job force.
Poor communication skills are easily seen and felt in many aspects of an employee’s job performance. Today’s workplace requires more collaborative work environments than generations past, amounting to more constant communication with colleagues. Communication facilitates actionable feedback. And the quality of communication has a direct impact on the bottom line of a company. Communication is therefore unavoidable, and it’s especially important for employees to have the tools in their toolbelts to navigate workplace communication situations competently and professionally.
Communication is a vital aspect of teamwork, and plays a direct role in the success (or failure) of a team. A recent study found that work of a collaborative nature had ballooned by over 50% in the American workplace in just two decades, with employees now spending upwards of 80% of their day collaborating and communicating with their colleagues. With so much of the day spent in contact with teammates and peers, communication is far more than just another skill- it can be critical to both the employee’s and the organization’s success.
Strong communication skills play an important role in leadership of the organization as well. One of the most important functions of leaders and managers is the ability to provide actionable feedback to their subordinates. Providing actionable feedback allows employees to become more aware of their challenge areas and what they excel at. Not only that, but it also serves to tie their work back to the mission and goals of the company, fostering engagement in their work.
But ultimately, quality communication is so important because it impacts the success of the organization. One study demonstrated that companies that managed to communicate effectively brought a 47% higher return to shareholders than those who did not communicate effectively. With so much at stake, it is vital that organizations ensure that their employees are trained and well-equipped to communicate appropriately and effectively.
To learn more about improving communication and engagement at your organization, contact us about People Skills. People Skills is a robust selection of modules for developing Communication, Leadership, Team Building and Presentation Skills designed to impact your organization’s bottom line.
About LTC
LTC Language Solutions is a full-service language company providing state-of-the-art language solutions for local and national companies, organizations, government agencies, and individuals since 1993. LTC provides language training, cross-cultural training, interpretation, translation, repatriation, language assessments and interpreter and people skills training. LTC has gained a reputation for high-quality, customized services provided through long-term relationships, having some of the same clients for over 25 years.
-Tony Wise, Marketing Director