Never Get Lost in Translation: The Importance of Effective Business Communication

If there’s one indispensable thing that every business needs in order to function, it’s the people. Take away the workforce from the equation, and an organization will surely be crippled. But to mobilize your employees, you need middle managers. They act as bridges between employees and upper management, ensuring that your strategies will be properly implemented and not get lost in translation.

Research conducted by the Australian Institute of Management shows that senior managers see middle managers as the “critical linchpin” in effectively communicating their needs to the rest of the team. Thus, training middle managers to practice effective business communication ensures not only seamless business operations but also avoids potential conflicts that may arise in the workplace.

Benefits of Effective Business Communication

  • Better business relationships

Having effective communication skills can promote an atmosphere of collaboration within the organization and break down any existing barriers, like generation gaps.

Even though employees have different personalities and communication styles, a middle manager trained in effective business communication can adapt to the preferences of his employees and motivate them to achieve their desired results.

Employees also appreciate good communication from the management, producing a healthy work environment.

  • Enhanced productivity

Keeping open communication lines is important in making employees feel that they matter. Employees who feel a sense of belonging and understanding in their workplace are happy workers. And when they’re satisfied with their jobs and the people they work with, they can perform their duties efficiently and with a positive attitude.

  • Improved problem-solving skills

Employees also look to their managers for guidance whenever they face a problem. A middle manager should effectively relay the company’s plans and strategies so that workers can easily understand them, leading to a smoother workflow.

Ways to Improve Business Communication

  • Listen

The most important rule in communication is to learn how to listen. Managers need to listen to their subordinates to know what’s working, what isn’t working, and what can be done to make things better.

After hearing what they have to say, it helps to ask probing and broad questions to create a meaningful conversation. Instead of asking leading questions such as, “Do you envision the company expanding globally?” Ask something more open-ended: “How do you envision the company growing?” It’s also recommended to ask for feedback and follow up on employees’ ideas so that they know that their voice matters.

  • Repeat and follow-up

In the world of marketing, the Rule of 7 states that a person has to hear a message seven times before he finally gets it. The same can be applied to business communication. Middle managers should follow-up with employees consistently across multiple touch points to make sure that they take notice and act on the instructions.

  • Set the context for employees

Employees lose motivation and focus if they don’t know what’s in it for them. When communicating with employees, managers should make it a point to relate the employee’s contributions to the company’s success. Set the context and paint a larger picture to give workers a reason to care.

  • Get training

Communication skills training can help middle managers enhance the quality of their communication and develop behaviors to fortify their working relationships. It also allows them to develop active listening skills and learn how to deal with difficult people so that they can contribute to their organization’s overall success.

Facilitating effective communication between different tiers of an organization seems like the least of management’s concerns. But a message, lost in translation, may have a lasting impact on the development and growth of an organization. Never take business communication for granted.

Higher Heights Training and Consultancy helps organizations enhance their businesses through continuous seminars and trainings. Contact Higher Heights at +63-920-695-4183, +63-915-265-3153, +63-49-302-1944 to learn more about how they can help you grow your business.

SOURCES:
https://managersandleaders.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MIddleManagersDiscussionPaper2014.pdf
https://work.chron.com/effective-communication-important-management-27001.html
https://ammermanexperience.com/newsletters/3-benefits-of-communications-training-for-managers/
http://www.yourthoughtpartner.com/blog/bid/73915/5-communication-skills-every-manager-should-master
https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/management-tips/7-strategies-all-managers-can-use-to-improve-communication-skills
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-to-use-the-rule-of-7-to-radically-grow-your-business-4037683
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