Business communication can be broken down into two main types. Upward and downward communication. The former involves giving and receiving information, while the latter eliminates silos and regulates norms and rules. In the case of upward communication, guidelines and templates are more explicit. Downward communication, on the other hand, involves communicating from superior to subordinate. However, this kind of communication often lacks the clear and concise language of up-to-date upward communications.
Inefficient communication is the reason behind workplace failures
If you’re not communicating effectively at work, you’re setting yourself up for workplace failure. For example, if your boss wants you to turn in data by Friday at 5 p.m., but you don’t have time to do so on Friday, you’re more likely to miss your deadline. When this happens, a mismatch in expectations and timelines results. While this might seem like a trivial problem, it can be the root of workplace failures.
Lack of effective communication leads to misunderstandings. Employees may feel as if their managers are keeping important information from them. This can create an “Us vs. Them” mentality, which can sap their motivation. To prevent workplace failures, companies must communicate clearly their goals and convey how they plan to accomplish them. Without this kind of consistency, employees may not feel empowered or confident.
It’s a give-and-take process
In business communication, the speaker plays the role of both the receiver and the source of the message. The speaker focuses on the message and the recipient responds with feedback. The speaker can use the process of “sizing up” the audience to adjust the opening. Similarly, a quarterback prepares for where he is going to be on the field and how the receiver will respond. Different models provide different perspectives and lessons for business communicators.
Downward communication involves passing messages from the upper level to the lower level. This form of communication can be written or oral. Written forms of this communication include manuals, notices, and news displays in electronic forms. Oral forms of downward communication include face-to-face conversations, telephonic communication, and meetings. However, both forms are important to effective business communication. There are many benefits to using both types of communication.
It reduces silos
Breaking down organizational silos isn’t easy and isn’t something that comes easily. But ignoring this problem is only going to slow your business down in the long run. After all, silos reduce efficiency, employee morale, and customer satisfaction, so ignoring them is not an option. The best way to combat this is to foster a culture of transparency and collaboration. Follow these tips to make your company a more collaborative one.
Start at the top and foster collaboration across departments. Managers and IC level employees should constantly seek out opportunities to collaborate with others, both in the company and outside the organization. Business communication is vital for long-term success of any organization, and silos only make this process more challenging. But if you are serious about reducing the negative impacts of silos, you must be willing to put in the effort. As a result, you’ll be more efficient and productive in the long run.
It’s regulated by rules and norms
Several legal factors contribute to the definition of business communication. Financial reporting, for example, involves formally presenting information to employees and stakeholders. The practice of misleading the public through deceptive accounting practices can result in lawsuits, fines, criminal charges, and damaged brand reputation. For these reasons, financial reporting is one of the most regulated areas of business communication, particularly for publicly traded companies. Additionally, rules and norms are applicable to internal dialogs within an organization. Rules and norms on workplace harassment, hostile work environments, and dishonest communication between managers and employees are all part of business communication.
Effective business communication promotes the flow of ideas, information, and feedback, and contributes to the development of new products and services. It encourages employees to express their opinions, ensures the performance of sales teams, and promotes product acceptance. Additionally, it helps organizations achieve their goals by ensuring that managers have access to relevant information needed to formulate policies and plans. In addition, effective communication supports the creation of goodwill within an organization.
It’s goal-oriented
The word goal-oriented in the context of business communication means ‘with a purpose in mind.’ A goal-oriented communication plan should include both a why and an how. The reason behind such a plan is to help the recipients understand what it is they need to achieve. If the communication process isn’t goal-oriented, it’s unlikely to produce the desired results. Here are some of the benefits of goal-oriented communication:
Those who work in a goal-oriented environment often use words with that underlying theme. Using this phrase in the workplace, meeting minutes, or emails will reflect this mindset. Also, it shows an effort to be up-to-date with the latest words and trends. Use the term with care. If you want to achieve your goals, use goal-oriented words and phrases. If you want to get a positive response from your recipients, use this word.