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The Importance of Communication

Why is it so important to be able to effectively communicate with a customer? And what are the steps to get started? Read this story to find out.
Southern Cross

If you're not communicating, you're not partnering

We’ve heard it time and time again, “communication is key”, no matter what industry you’re in.

If you want to establish a relationship with a customer, potential client, fellow employee, boss, friend, or family member, you have to be able to communicate effectively.

Partnership is an activity. If you’re not communicating, you’re not partnering.

Barriers?

Many times, there are barriers that need to be broken down in order to bridge the gap to successful communication. A good place to start is with transparency.

Transparency

There are certain levels of communication that are proprietary, but you must be transparent about the things that aren’t.

Just as much as you need to be open about the successes of the project, you also need to be open with the challenges you may be facing.

By including others in your plans to overcome challenges, you can allow the relationship to grow.

Respond, don't react

You and the partner are both working towards the mutual success of a project and it is crucial to have challenges resolved ahead of time. This is done by creating an emergency response plan.

In the case that a challenge does arise, we are able to respond with a clarification and follow a plan, instead of reacting out of shock.

Listening

When we think of communication, we typically think of speech or some type of conversational dialogue, but many overlook the importance of listening. Listening is just as important, if not more so than speaking.

We have two ears, and one mouth

Could that mean we should be listening twice as much as we are speaking? Sometimes people talk just because they like to speak, while others talk because they have something important to say.

It is an important to be able to distinguish the difference between the two. Regardless, it is valuable to sit back, listen, and learn when it comes to communication.

Without proper communication, relationships cannot be formed

Overall, it is important to understand the significance of communicating with those you manage and work for.
One must establish a relationship, break down the barriers, respond instead of reacting, and be sure to listen twice as much as they speak in order to communicate successfully.

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