Do you see what I’m saying? – Verbal and Physical Communication
As a consultant, I constantly hear business leaders and entrepreneurs complain about the communication they have with their employees. “How can I get them to understand what I am saying? Why don’t they get it, Rick?” I can’t tell you how often I hear that. But what my clients fail to understand is, that the key to effective communication goes far beyond what we say in a meeting or type out in an email. It is both verbal and physical.
If you want people to “see” what you are saying, then you have to be proactive with your communication. You have to clearly express it through both your physical and verbal interactions. Since these interactions are altered by the medium they are sent through, using the right mediums to speak with your employees is the first step towards improved relations. E-mail, telephone, fax machines, and face-to-face communications produce differing results.
For example, in a face-to-face setting it is much easier to discuss upcoming projects and to hash out deadlines. Why? Because you can read the expressions on the other person’s face, or what they are “saying” with their physical communication. Likewise, interviews are always conducted in person so as to judge how the candidate presents themselves. By utilizing the power of effective in person communication you can prevent misunderstandings and get the job done right the first time.
With this in mind, what improvements can you make in your company by choosing the right medium for communication? Ask yourself this question honestly, and then reevaluate the interactions you have with your employees. You may be surprised at the result.
