What is the Importance of Having Effective Communication Skills?

Being an effective communicator has many benefits, such as professional advancement.

There's no doubt about it: having top-notch communication skills can help you advance your professional career. In the business world, communication is the cornerstone to a successful enterprise. As a result, there are many benefits to understanding the ins and outs of how to be a stellar communicator. Through the use of effective communication skills, professionals can interact more confidently with others, manage conflicts with finesse and exude higher levels of competency and credibility.

Definition

Communication is a two-sided process that involves a transmitter (speaker) and a recipient (listener). One person sends the message verbally or nonverbally, while the other interprets the message. In order for communication to be effective, the speaker must know what he intends to communicate, and do so in a manner that is clear and easily understood by his audience. Equally as important as speaking is the skill of listening. According to the University of Wisconsin's Faculty Mentoring Resources Department, having good listening skills helps you interpret information accurately -- the way it was intended.

Improve Productivity

When people in the business world communicate effectively, they know what is expected from one another and can exchange information smoothly. Communication barriers, however, can delay assignments and projects, and serve as a hindrance to productivity. Ineffective communication may cause confusion or leave employees with unanswered questions. When employees have to seek out clarification, it holds things up and distracts them from getting actual work done. Effective communication can mitigate the need for clarification so that employees can get started on their work and improve their productivity.

Professional Advancement

When you communicate effectively, its lets others know that you mean business. Effective communication means speaking with intent and exuding a level of confidence, which, in turn, will build your credibility. According to an article in the June 2005 issue of "Rough Notes Magazine," there is a direct link between communication and professional success. People who communicate effectively advance professionally at a faster rate than those who communicate ineffectively.

Resolve Conflict

Workplace conflict is often the result of miscommunication between coworkers. Through effective communication tactics, conflicts can be handled (and hopefully resolved) with finesse. When someone needs to put the fire out among employees, he can use effective communication skills to ameliorate situations and help people listen to one another to sort things out.

Build Relationships

When you use effective communication skills, you can build stronger relationships. According to an article in "Self Help Magazine," Phil Rich, MSW, explains that good communication skills help people trust one another, which in turn inspires good rapport. In the business world, this is especially helpful for networking and marketing goals. Knowing how to communicate with stakeholders and consumer markets, for instance, can put you in an advantage because others will be impressed by your ability to engage in conversations and make them feel valued.

References

• "Rough Notes Magazine"; Quality Communication Leads to Excellence; Dennis H. Pillsbury; June 2005.
• University of Wisconsin: Faulty Mentoring Resources: Listening Skills.
• "Self Help Magazine"; Effective Communication and Healthy Relationships; Phil Rich.