Biz-commPulse

A direct communication channel by the CEO could enhance  business communication. Image credit:  Photopin . Communication from the CEO of a business is essential for employees not only to receive direct messages from Top Management but also to understand the thinking process of those who are in charge.   A CEO weekly blog could improve communication in the business and simultaneously make the management more visible to employees which is essential for any business communication strategy to remain effective. The CEO could, for example, write to employees on a weekly basis about different topics that would be of interest to them at that specific point in time.  The blog posts could relate to important events in the business,  clarify unclear issues or  communicate essential new information, for example on being ethical. In addition interesting statistics about how the business is doing financially could also be of interest to employees.   ...

Source: Freedigitalphotos.net Implementing changes in a business could be very difficult but even more if employees are not in favour of the changes.  By knowing why employees might be resistant to change, effective communication strategies and media could be developed in advance to overcome any obstacles and to adequately  inform employees about the changes (also read my post on how to communicate change s). Here are the five most common reasons why employees might resist the changes you want to implement in your business: Employees do not really see or understand the need for any changes. Fear of management changing the status quo. Reluctance to work with other colleagues or in different teams. Employees not willing to take on more responsibilities. Employees might fear retrenchments, early retirement or other issues that might threaten their long-term security in the business. Honest and open communication play a crucial role in implementin...

Any change management process requires good communication skills as many employees are naturally resistant to change.  If changes in the business are also not congruent with some employees' self-seeking interests, the challenge for managers is even greater.  Employees also have unique personalities and may react to change differently (also read my post why employees might be resistant to change ). Employees need to prepared for the change in the business and all changes need be reinforced.  What role does communication play in the change management process? Source: Soshable.com Before the changes are implemented, the manager first needs to motivate employees to appreciate the need for the change.   Many employees feel too comfortable in the current status quo and need to see how the changes could benefit them in the long term.   The manager could, for example, communicate current problems in the business and explain how the changes would solve the...

When is the right time to do a communication audit in a business?  Why is it important to know whether communication in a business is effective or not? During a communication audit the strength and weaknesses of all communication in the business is analyzed, namely its communication policies, strategies, practices, messages, capabilities and even the media that are used, including social and other online media. If you have read some of my other postings in this blog, you will know how important communication in a business is.  Lack of effective communication can even cause the business to eventually fail. When is the right time to do a communication audit?  You could consider a communication audit in your business when: a major restructuring of the business is taking place   the business seems to be failing and not reaching its objectives. union negotiations are upcoming a merger or acquisition of another business might be happening a new management ...

Dealing with conflict in a business is inevitable because of cultural diversity among employees.  How managers communicate during conflict situations is of utmost importance.  Bad choice of words and even the tone of the message can strain relationships even more.  Employees interpret messages according to their own frame of references and if there are poor interpersonal relationships because of a conflict situation, misunderstandings can easily occur.  During conflict situations, employees are generally suspicious and distrustful.  It is important for managers to remember that employees assign meaning to words and that meaning thus resides in people and not in the words that are used. During conflict the manager needs to use effective communication skills.   Effective communication skills are of utmost importance during conflict resolving situations. Messages should be clearly conveyed in a logical manner to ensure that there are no misundersta...

Business communication can also enhance a business’ brand, including its products, through what is known as employee branding.  But what exactly is employee branding? Employee branding refers to employees’ behaviour that shapes the identity of the brand.  The employee basically projects the brand by acting in specific way when dealing with current or potential customers. This can be through good customer service and other work behaviour that creates a specific perception of the business in the minds of customers. Effective business communication can play a role in employee branding because employees are empowered through how motivated they feel, how they understand their different roles in the business and if they completely understand the mission and vision of the business. If the business is committed to being a learning organization, employees even take ownership of their roles and tasks in the business. A learning organization generally provides more opportuniti...

Many business communication scholars and theorists consider a task-oriented manager as autocratic, but in some instances it is necessary to separate the task from the  employee performing that task.  This post explores when it is necessary for the manager to stay objective and to focus only on the task. Typically in a task oriented business environment, employees are doing a specialised  kind of task and receive instructions from the top. The business offers a limited amount of goods and services. Employees are expected to follow  instructions to complete their tasks,  know exactly what are expected from them and how they will be compensated when they achieve their goals  for the month.  Rules are important in this kind of environment, but employees often consider this as a sign that they are perceived as being untrustworthy.  Many employees embrace the opportunity to specialise in an environment where they can safely follow a routine. Howe...

What is a learning organisation and why should business communication facilitate learning? In this article I will interchangeable refer to a business and an organization which basically refers to a company that continuously transforms itself by facilitating the learning of its employees.  Employees in a learning organization share the same vision and have a team approach to learning.  Employees in a learning organization work smarter and are knowledgeable about any new products and processes of the business as well as how the macro-environment affects the business. Training programmes are thus essential to develop employees. The manager uses the skills of employees in the business to come up with creative solutions to any problems facing the business.  To facilitate learning in a business, communication is reliable and trusted by employees. The communication strategy of a business instills trust through honest and transparent communication. Business communication is re...

I came across this video on breaking down barriers to effective communication on Youtube.  It has some useful information on how some barriers to effective communication can be overcome.  Sometimes just a change in behavior can make all the difference. Biz-commPulse homepage

Effective business communication should be part of a strategic plan and revised on an annual basis. A manager needs to constantly communicate with employees to inform them about their roles in the business and what their duties are.  Good business communication provides clear direction to employees on how their duties can contribute towards the success of the business.  A manager should never neglect to communicate with employees and assume that they know what their roles in the business are. But what should this strategic communication plan entail? Each business is different and has its own policies and structures.  Similarly the size, culture, mission and vision as well as managerial style of a business vary. Depending on the above, the strategic communication plan should indicate all communication activities in the business and who should be responsible for these activities.  Clear communication channels should be identified to convey specific me...

Happy employees are more productive. Business communication is no longer about how to write a letter, email or use effective writing skills.  It has also extended to other areas in the business, for example, excellent relationships within the business. A manager should not only concentrate on successful communication with its external clients, customers and stakeholders.  The employees of the business actually are   internal clients   and should also be treated with care.  Many scholars refer to this as   internal marketing , a very important feature of good business communication.  Employees’ well-being and work satisfaction play a large role in their productivity and how loyal they will be towards the business.  The role of the manager is to ensure good relationships with and among employees.   A healthy working environment is equally important.  Previous research has indicated that employees also have other career as...

The name of this blog is Biz-CommPulse , which will include information about business communication. You might now wonder why a whole blog is dedicated to the area of business communication.  Business communication is such an important part of a business’s strategy, yet it is also one of the most neglected areas in the business.  Many managers are so focused on making sales and a profit, that they forget about the role of proper business communication for success. The aim of this blog  is to point out practices of good business communication and where businesses possibly could improve in this area.  If you visit regularly, you will find useful information on the best ways of improving business communication and best practices.  The blog will also provide valuable resources on business communication. Effective business communication requires good skills and a sound knowledge of the dynamics of a business and its people. This will become evident if you...