Critical Importance Of Communication Skills For Effective Implementation Of A Strategy In Workplaces

Communication skills are critical to effectively implementing strategy in workplaces

Introduction

Communication is an integral process by which information is exchanged and understood by two or more individuals. According to the article on the theory of communication, it is an essential skill in achieving efficiency and empowering strong working relationships at all levels of the organisation (Barbour, Gill and Barge, 2018). Communication skills are important to implement strategies. Henry Mintzberg argues that strategy emerges over time and defines it as a plan of action. Whereas, Michael Porter argues that strategy is all about differentiation to achieve competitive advantage (Juliana & Olaf, 2012). Indeed, these two concepts are still applied in modern workplaces, where strategy consist of the overall mission, vision and core values of a business. Organisational goals must be clear and understandable which is the glue that bonds people to positive business results (Madelyn, Karolina & Cornelia M, 2014).

Thesis Statement

This essay identifies current issues in management such as economic changes, face-to-face communication and technology changes. The purpose of this essay argues how communication skills are critical to effectively implementing strategy in workplaces.

Body

I. Verbal Communication And Social Interactions Within Workplaces

A well-formulated strategy is ineffective if it is not communicated well. Therefore, directors should know which channels of communication to use, and why aspects of communication are important to organisational success (Men, 2015). One fundamental type of communication is verbal communication which consists of two or more individuals who deliver and receive a message. It is the exchange of messages using face-to-face interactions as well as orally spoken words. Successful companies are the ones whose directors keep the lines of communication open through presentations or team meetings (Venter, 2019). Top managers need to establish strategies such as contingency plan, management cost and delegation as it is critical for a business success (Kirschenbaum & Rapaport, 2018). Consequently, learning to delegate tasks to the right team leaders is a key skill for directors. One of the current management issues is the rapid economic changes in the business environment. A recession can create an anxious workplace environment full of staffs that fear for the success of the organisation or losing their jobs. Hence, managers should reassure employees and keep them informed of the latest new. https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/publication/1970-01/loyalty-erm-people-management-during-the-recession.pdf

For instance, during the tough economic times, the CEO of Starbucks used verbal communication by meeting his management team in person (Ramakrishnan, 2018). As a result, this will benefit managers to improve team morale’s, develop a culture of communication and early resolution for challenging situations. Managers make the use of high channel richness communication where feedbacks are obtainable (Samson, Donnet & L. Daft, 2018).

Furthermore, Merlinger (1992) and Bhasin (1995) put emphasise that communication and social interactions inspire bottom-line workforces to innovate and implement strategies (Shanmuga, S & M P, 2017). For example, Google and Apple have created fluid office designs to encourage spontaneous and cognitive collaboration using a diversity strategy (Hyder, 2017). Managers with high leadership, integrity and listening skills are more likely to achieve organisational success. Hence, managers who put in place a diversity strategy allowed more employee engagement and creativity within workplaces (Lans, Verhees & Verstegen, 2016). This can be linked to the decentralised network where the communication structure encourages employees to freely connect and make decisions within the team (Samson, Donnet & L. Daft, 2018). Directors who cultivate employee engagement spread more knowledge within the company (Rao, 2017). However, the issue with face-to-face communication is that it is time consuming and costly for large organisations to arrange meetings with all the branches across the world. But, with the use of teleconferencing and telephone calls, strategies can still be communicated (Strengers, 2014).

II. Non-Verbal Communication In Workplaces

Non-verbal communication is another skill used to effectively implement strategies in workplaces. According to Susanne Jones, about 65-75% of all communication is naturally non-verbal (L Norris, 2017). It is the use of facial expressions, body language and gestures to communicate. Chaudhry & Arif (2012) found that non-verbal communication is useful to understand others’ emotional state. According to a blog review, non-verbal communication transformed the teaching industry in a constructive way (Istas, 2018). The strategy from top levels to encourage teachers assisting seminars and training programs has enabled them to develop kinesics behaviour which facilitates their communication skills towards children and disable one’s (Sutiyatno, 2018).

III. Technology In Workplaces

Technology has also changed communication in workplaces. Research from a national survey, indicates that the use of social media and internet has helped employees to communicate effectively across department and geographical boundaries (Fusi & Zhang, 2018). It has also simplified directors to share strategies through emails and Skype. However, social media in workplaces had created issues such as a lot of distraction, productivity reduction and harassment and bullying as well as misleading information. Social media may be problematic for some businesses but many cases shows that it has helped enormously. For example, Starbucks embrace the social media platform using Facebook to access their application ‘Workplace’. According to Adam Brotman, regardless of your position, social media enabled all levels of the hierarchy to have access to written strategies, feedbacks and broadcasting (Bradford 2018). This leads to the downward and upward communication. Downward communication is when information is communicated from top management down to the bottom-line whereas upward communication is when information is sent from the lower to the higher levels of the organisation hierarchy (Samson, Donnet & Daft, 2018).

IV. Barriers Of Communication In Workplaces

Additionally, barriers to communication can easily occur. For example, in Asian and African cultures, eyes contact is perceived as offensive during a meeting while Arabians put a lot of importance on non-verbal communication as a mean of respect and interest to achieve common goals (Baker, 2016).

Poor communication also impacts the healthcare industry. The lack of teamwork between colleagues had led to surgical errors and conflicts. Patients are also part of the health industry workplace. Hence, enunciating clearly and avoiding jargon are necessary to ensure an organisation-wide focus on patient safety (Giovannoni & Xiong, 2019). Communication skills related to teamwork are recurring patterns and providing it on the job training is essential to ensure organisational success. As an example, managers provide team dynamics with the goal of fostering collaboration and collegiality. Additionally, using written communication and visual pictures may facilitate patients to better understand their medical treatments. A written record is also beneficial in case a staff is on duty (Deveugele, 2015).

Conclusion

In conclusion, communication within the three hierarchy levels is crucial to implement strategies for organisational success. The effectiveness of verbal communication within workplaces is similar to the role of non-verbal communication. The major aspect of both methods of communication is that they are used towards mutual understanding and ultimately bring about productive results. With technologies such as e-mail, teleconferencing and social media, it has become easier for organisations to communicate in virtual teams. However, current issues in management such as economic changes, face-to-face communication and technology changes occur and cause organisational disturbances. The lack of communication within the workplace can also decrease organisational efficiency and increase critical workplace issues. Hence, great entrepreneurs must continually improve their communication skills to guide the principle values and goals in workplaces.

Recommendations

I would suggest two communication strategies among many others that minimise issues in firms.

1. Daily meetings or monthly meetings

It is important to check in with the staffs on a regular basis (Stray, Sjoberg & Dyba, 2016). From my past experience, the team management and the bottom-line workers had daily meetings which enable the discussion of projects and new procedures. By valuing communication with your staff, organisations improve the alignment of its strategies in workplaces.

2. Incorporate team building events

Team building activities can help organisation with poor communication to connect and create employee relationship from all levels of the hierarchy. This form of strategy can help to foster better communication skills in staffs and motivation to co-operate effectively to accomplish goals (Aga, Noorderhaven & Vallejo, 2016).

References

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