Effective_Business_Communication__the_Key_That_Turns_the_Lock

ffective Business Communication: The Key That Turns the Lock Communication is the key that turns the lock to business’s success and development. As with finding the correct key to a lock, great communication in the workplace is ever changing, implementing various approaches and complex. Business environments are under constant change, competition and new forms. With technology assisting in customer-increased knowledge and demand for value prosperity comes with those companies with a strong communication guidelines and plans of action. This will be supported by the examples of Internal communication, open upward communication, and positive downward communication. Communication is an exchange of feelings, ideas, and information, whether by speaking, writing, signals, or behaviors. (Merriam-Webster) Communication is more than merely keeping employees updated to what may be going on it you organization or in the company at large. (Warren H. Anderson, 2007) Real workplace communication is far more than a few words strung together and delivered to your employees. The key to a business prosperity is communication, internal and external, without it your success will be measured with the fate of the Titanic. People in organizations typically spend over 75% of their time communicating. (The Freeman Institute, 2006) Internal communication is the key ingredient for a successful business, with it comes its faults. Some leaders misinterpret communications to be the same as paperwork or bureaucracy and so they're averse to a high degree of communications. As leaders and managers mature, they realize the need to effective convey and receive information, and efforts at communications (internal and external). (Carter McNamara, 2009) There are eight common causes of problems in internal communication in business; (1) If I know it then everyone must know it (2) We hate Buraucracy - we’re “lean and mean” (3) I told everyone, or some people or something (4) Did you hear what i meant for you to hear' (5) Our problems are to big to have to listen to each other (6) So whats to talk about' (7) There’s data and there’s information (8) If I need you opinion, I’ll tell it to you. These are common problems in the internal communication, most of which come from inexperienced upper management and poor company communication. (Carter McNamara, 2009) The key to having an internal system that works are two main things, positive downward communication, and open upward communication. Open upward communication is a system that sets up a positive setting for employees and employers. Upward communication ensures all employees have the equal ability to give comments to their supervisors and employers. The system ensures that supervisors meet one-on-one at least once a month with their employees to discuss how its' going, hear any current concerns from the employee, and how the feel about how the company goes about doing things. Even if the meeting is chitchat, it cultivates an important relationship between supervisor and employee. (Carter McNamara, 2009) By doing this you create an open environment with your employees making them have a feeling of a “home like” atmosphere. Making them more productive, open, and willing to help grow through a company which in turn, makes a more successful corporation. Positive downward communication is a system that communicates from upper management down to the employees. It is a large 9 step approach to keeping a positive communication through a company and employees. A proper system develops a basic set of procedures for how routine tasks are conducted and include them in standard operating manual. By this, you make clear a set of procedures to all employees. Making it so, there are not any disagreements or questions brought up on how to do things properly. A proper plan ensures all employees receive yearly performance reviews, including their goals for the year, updated job descriptions, accomplishments, needs for improvement, and plans to help the employee accomplish the improvements. If the nonprofit has sufficient resources (a realistic concern), develop a career plan with the employee. (Carter McNamara, 2009) The key to success is a very hidden thing at times, but when you put down an effective system and plan any company can succeed. It is important to know and know how to use effective communication in and around our companies and workplace, making a perfect two-way street of communication.  REFERENCES "Communication." Def. 4. Merriam-Webster. 14th ed. Vol. 1. "The Freeman Institute -- The popular "Dealing with People Who Drive You Crazy!" seminar program..." The Freeman Institute: Arenas of Expertise ranging from Black History, Diversity, Workshops, Keynotes and Retreats to Executive Coaching and Organizational Culture Change. The Freeman Institute. 7 Mar. 2010 . "Corporate Communications Plans." Speechwriter Professional. 2009. Warren H. Anderson. 11 Mar. 2010 . Jan. 2008. Free management Library. Carter McNamara. 11 Mar. 2009 .