RIVETING IDEAS™

Twenty-five years ago, writing in Machine Design, engineer James McAlister identified a key reason for career failure among technical workers: faulty communication. McAlister pointed to poor workplace relationships, failed teamwork, and general ineptness in conveying meaning clearly.

Not much has changed since then. Studies still show the adverse effects of poor communication, not only on job effectiveness, but also on interpersonal satisfaction, personal happiness, social relationships, and even health.

It’s not just individuals who suffer the consequences of communication failure. Ineffective communication is also a high-cost item to employers. As much as 75 per cent of the average person’s day is spent communicating in some way (in sales or managerial jobs, the figure rises to 90 per cent), and failures can be staggeringly expensive. Costs include high staff turnover, lost sales, and a reputation for lousy customer service that can be very difficult to repair. The impact is felt where it hurts most: on the bottom line.

Most of us know that poor communication hurts business, but the big question is how to fix it. How can we find the time in a busy week to fine-tune our own skills or to nurture them in employees?

These Communication Doctor columns are our response to this pressing need. Over the next several issues, we will address a host of common communication challenges, offering timely case studies and useful tips to improve interactions with staff, customers, suppliers, and the public.

Continue reading for some helpful hints from Dr. Jen that will improve your communication right now.

Dr. Jen welcomes your questions and topic suggestions for future articles in Riveting Ideas. You can reach her at Dr-Jen@Stephensrivet.com