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

• Communication Skills Training: Objective and Subjective Language
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• Communication: Negotiation Skills
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• Improving Your Communication Skills
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• Gain Their Understanding and Agreement
  Communication is important because you need to gain the understanding, agreement and active cooperation of others. Without cooperation your progress will be limited.
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