Relationship Between Business Communication Skills & Salary
While some may consider the concept trite, the ability to communicate well -- verbally and in writing -- can lead to better positions and better salaries. In 2010, a Korn/Ferry study conducted at McGladrey -- a national consulting firm -- assessed the capabilities of employees classified as high potentials as assessed by their managers. The top five items were communication-related. The ability to convey ideas and information accurately and effectively, along with the ability to influence and persuade others, are key attributes of employees who successfully move up in an organization.
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Building Relationships
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Regardless of industry or geography, the ability to communicate effectively is critical to building relationships. Building relationships in business is the foundation to achieve success, suggests research conducted by Gallup over the years. "Repeat business is now recognized as the avenue to enhanced profit performance, and the prerequisite for a sustainable future," notes William J. McEwen in a "Gallup Management Journal" article. The ability to connect with people is a critical business skill.
The Price of Admission
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Without strong communication skills, employees are unlikely to even get their foot in the door of a new job, according to research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, or NACE. Employers who took part in NACE's Job Outlook 2011 survey indicated that verbal communication skills were the most important attribute they were seeking in new college graduates hoping to join their organizations. "Employers consistently place communication skills at the top of the list of key skills," says Marilyn Mackes, NACE's executive director.
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Soft Skills Trump Technical Skills
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Good communication skills are more valuable than being an expert in PowerPoint, according to a survey by the International Association of Administrative Professionals, or IAAP. In this survey, 67 percent of HR managers said they would hire an administrator with strong "soft" skills -- which include communication skills -- even if his technical abilities were lacking. That perspective is consistent across many industries, says McEwen, particularly as companies strive to build effective bonds between themselves and their customers.
Communicating Effectively Leads to Raises and Promotions
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Effective communication skills are real career differentiators. Mike Sisco, author of IT Management 101, says, "I cannot emphasize enough how much solid communication skills can mean to you. "Effective communication skills are real career differentiators." As the Korn/Ferry study demonstrates, employees with the ability to communicate effectively with others often find themselves among the ranks of high potentials.
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