Communication Skills In Business

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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:

1. Constructive criticism.
2. Destructive criticism.
3. 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.

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Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication

• Feedback is the Breakfast of Champions
  Feedback information is vital to your brain. If you don't know whether your actions are taking you closer to your goals, you will not know which actions to practice, which not to practice, and which ones to steer clear of.
  Read Article >
• What is a good communication style?
  Having a good style of communication is a useful skill to master. People will stop and listen if you are a good communicator. Being credible and persuasive is vitally important as well, if you want to motivate people to take notice or action.
  Read Article >
• Communication Skills: Clear Thinking
  One of the best ways to improve the clarity of your thinking is to get into the habit of differentiating between pairs of similar but opposing concepts.
  Read Article >
• Success Through Communication
  The ability to communicate ideas to the rest of your team, is a vital skill for your organisation's success.
  Read Article >
• Communication Skills: Clear, Rational and Positive
  Do people always understand what you mean, or do you leave ambiguities in your message? Learn how to make your communication clear, rational and positive, in order to engage people and get your ideas across and accepted.
  Read Article >