The Importance of Positive Communication

The following YouTube Video is a powerful message that helps to illustrate the importance of how we communicate and the impact of the messages that we construct and deliver when we communicate:

http://youtu.be/Hzgzim5m7oU

How well we communicate on a daily basis has a powerful and direct impact on the levels of success that we achieve.

Do you believe that poor communication amongst your Employees or between your Employees and your Customers, Vendors, and Management, is poor and holding your Organization back from achieving even greater levels of success?  Or are you having to spend a great deal of time addressing situations that result from poor communication that is taking you away from more valuable, revenue-generating tasks that you would much rather be focusing on?

You are not alone. 

In most Organizations today there is a great focus of time, energy, and resources on technology and how to best utilize available technology to be as efficient as possible, as competitive as possible, and and profitable as possible.  Of course these are very worthy goals.  But, I contend that we have unintentially taken our focus off of taking steps to increase positive and effective daily communication in all we do on a daily basis: how we communicate; how effectively we communicate; and on how we communicate is impacting our business's success and profitability.

An operating environment and company culture that espouses and takes proactive steps to ensure Consistently Positive Communication throughout an organization provides a business with a competitive strength that has a positive ripple effect throughout the entire organization.  Employees in these organizations are more likely to be highly motivated and to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit.  Because there is open communication and because employees feel more secure and comfortable in these companies they will be more likely to express ideas, make suggestions, and give 110% to the company.  In addition there is a lesser likelihood that employees will be seeking to leave the company.  The high cost of high Employee Turnover makes this a problem to be addressed.  An employee that is relatively happy, content, and that feels comfortable and empowered where they work will be more likely to stay and be committed to their company on a long-term basis.

Selling By Building (http://www.sellingbybuilding.com/) suggests some Simple Steps to take if you have not done so already to easily improve your Company's Communications and Environment:

1. Have a clear and concise Company Mission Statement that is published and consistently articulated to all Employees that will help keep a daily focus on the overriding single most important Goal the Company seeks to achieve.  When the entire Organization has a clear focus and understanding of your Mission they will be better able to stay on course and contribute.  Employees like to feel that they are a key part of their Companies overall success; if they are just told to focus on their specific daily tasks without an understanding of the bigger picture and what their Company is seeking to achieve they will not feel empowered and will be less likely to think out of the box and to be creative.  A strong and well-articulated Mission Statement brings the Organization together and promotes clear vision and greater Teamwork.
2. Have an official set of Company Core Values that you insist your Organization live by and operate according to on a daily basis.  Incorporate into these Core Values the need to have positive and open communication.  Convey that treating each other with respect and working together as a Team is a must. 
3. Do not ignore the Employee that is consistently negative, no longer makes positive contributions to your success, and that willingly undermines Management and the Organization.  Weeds spread very, very quickly.  When not addressed in a timely fashion, they spread and grow.  The analogy is clear.  Strong and positive leadership in an Organization requires immediately addressing and taking action when needed with difficult Employees who, it has become clear over a period of time, is not only no longer an asset but now a liability. 
4. Embrace and require positive and clear communication in your Organization with a consistent focus of resources on Employee Personal Development.  Utilize Individual Development Plans annually to insist on and keep the focus on continual improvement.  To keep these simple and easy to manage and follow through on agree on only two to three specific goals and objectives for each Employee to make a priority in the coming year.  Do not let complacency take hold in your Company; embrace a culture of continuous improvement and skills development.  Educate all Management and Employees on the need for and benefits of living by open, honest, positive communication. 

For more on the subject of Employee Individual Development visit http://www.goalsguy.com/ and click on the "Knowledge" tab.  This Website is a favorite of mine and is a great resource of knowledge, ideas, and tips on Personal Development and utilizing the Power of Goal-Setting as a tool to help us succeed and achieve happiness personally and professionally.

Achieving an environment with Open and Positive Communication along with a company-wide focus on and investment in Employee Development will help you improve employee morale and satisfaction; increase customer satisfaction and retention; and ultimately help you achieve long-term business success: one positive interaction at a time.