Communication Skills in Business
In business, you need to use language effectively in order to give proper feedback.
Look at the diagram below and you will see why feedback is an important concept in professional and business communication.
Feedback is the communication of information that relates to a person's recent actions to the goal.
Feedback tells a person whether their recent actions are taking them closer towards their goals, or NOT.
Your goal is to communicate proper feedback.
Feedback comes in three forms:
- Constructive criticism.
- Destructive criticism.
- Appreciation and praise.
1. Constructive criticism
At times, we all need to receive constructive criticism - Since nobody's perfect!
Therefore, managers should know how to communicate criticism in a constructive manner.
We need managers to communicate any criticism in a constructive manner which will inspire and will give confidence to the receiver.
Failure to give constructive criticism is a common communication error.
Some managers give destructive criticism.
2. Destructive criticism
This is what we do NOT want. It is easy for negative feedback to deteriorate into destructive criticism.
Destructive criticism leads to bad feelings, broken relationships and a reduction in performance.
One of your main aims should be to note the difference between constructive and destructive criticism (feedback) and to perfect your skills in communicating constructively.
3. Positive feedback: Appreciation, praise and thanks
Managers need to give proper appreciation, praise and thanks.
Always remember the power of a few kind words.
Failure to communicate appreciation and praise is a common communication error.
Remember, the lack of appreciation is sometimes the cause of conflict.
One of your main aims in life should be to harness the power of a few kind words.
feedback
In business communication, feedback is a communication process that 1) reports how a person’s recent actions match an agreed goal, 2) arrives soon after the action, 3) states clear, specific facts, and 4) guides future action by reinforcing or correcting behaviour.
CG4D Definition
Context: Business communication
Genus: Communication process
- Reports how recent actions match an agreed goal
- Arrives soon after the action
- States clear, specific facts
- Guides future action by reinforcing or correcting behaviour
Article Summary
In business, every message counts, so give feedback that helps; link it to the goal, state facts, suggest fixes, avoid blame, and add true praise. This simple mix turns errors into learning, lifts mood and pushes results upward.