Numerous professionals have an underdeveloped communication background. Many lack the understanding of basic communication foundations and the main functions of business communication. This understanding is needed to achieve effective communication with others on a daily basis in a variety of professional settings.
Business communication has three main functions: establish professional identity; coordinate tasks, projects, and people; and communication and message interpretation. All three are equally important for not only businesses but professionals as well. All professionals know communication in the workplace is a must. Without it people do not receive crucial information and instruction needed to accomplish tasks, coordinate projects, complete assignments, etc.
Establish Professional Identity
An individual’s professional identity is based on how others view and communicate with the person. This identity is based largely on the individual’s communication skills and knowledge. The more effective an individual’s communications skills are, the more credibility the person is given. If the individual has poor communication skills, the person is seen as less knowledgeable and incompetent.
During the communication process, others may tune out or disregard what the individual says because the person has been labeled as an ineffective communicator and therefore not credible. Professionals with ineffective communication skills may also be passed over for tasks or jobs because of doubts others have about the person’s ability to negotiate deals, complete projects, or meet deadlines even if the person is qualified or experienced. Effective communication skills are important to building a positive professional identity.
Coordinate Tasks, Projects, and People
All business communication is cooperative. This means it is essential for professionals to communicate with others in a variety of fields, positions, settings and businesses to organize tasks, execute assignments, complete projects, and successfully work together as a team. Many people do not realize how complex business communication is.
Businesses have started to update training materials to emphasize team or group based communication instead of individual communication, understanding the “there is no I in team” philosophy is vital for effective communication and overall success. Businesses want people with effective communication skills that include the ability to successfully work with others on a regular basis.
Communication and Message Interpretation
Effective communication between professionals is crucial for success. A common cause of miscommunication and mistakes is message interpretation. Interpretation is the meaning an individual assigns to messages and communication from others. All professionals use past experiences, emotions, knowledge, personal needs, and training to interpret messages during the communication process. It is important to be aware of the function of interpretations and how it impacts effective communication.
It takes an extraordinary amount of collaborative work and communication to produce products, complete projects, meet objectives, etc. To accomplish any task, professionals must come to a shared understanding of what the task or goal is and expectations. Six co-workers can sit in a meeting listening to the boss assign a project and give instructions to them. Each person will understand the message differently because of interpretation.
The six will have to communicate extensively to finish the project. If the co-workers lack effective communication skills, it will make the project harder to complete and opens the door for miscommunication and mistakes. Professionals with effective communication skills are able to understand message interpretation and overcome barriers to reach the shared end result.
References:
Eisenberg, E. M., & Goodall, H. L. Organizational Communication: Balancing Creativity and Constraint. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2001.
Goodall, H.L. & Goodall, S. Communication in Professional Context: Skills Ethics, and Technologies. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2002.
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Amanda-Makenzie Braedyn - Amanda-Makenzie Braedyn has been working in the communications field for 10 years. Amanda-Makenzie holds a Bachelor of Science in ...
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