Kamaldeep
22 January, 2024
Table of Contents
“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to replies. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” – Roy T. Bennett, author
Have you ever thought about why some people rocket up the career ladder, while some others stay stuck in the same cubicle? Well, let me tell you, it is not just about fancy degrees or schmoozing with your boss. What is the real secret sauce?
Good old-fashioned communication.
Now, I know what you are thinking: This is just a piece of cake for you. But trust me, it’s much more than that.
As per a Forbes article, public speaking tops the list of human fears. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld humorously noted, “To the average person, if you have to be at a funeral, you’d rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
There is another issue as well, effective communication among leaders is uncommon, as only 31% of employees believe their leaders communicate well, according to Ketchum Communications. This shows us the importance of enhancing our leadership communication skills for better workplace outcomes.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s explore about 5 reasons why good communication is the rocket fuel for your career.
I will share an example. Imagine you have got a brilliant idea for a new marketing campaign, but you are explaining it like a drunken sailor at a poetry reading. The boss is just staring blankly, and your colleagues are looking like they have swallowed a lemon. Ouch. That might hurt you, but with good communication skills, you can articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely, so that everyone can be on the same page. No more muddled messages, just clear sailing to success!
If you are at a workplace where you work as a team then you can relate to this. Teamwork is not just a fancy buzzword, it is the key to getting things done. But if you are not able to communicate effectively with your colleagues/teammates, you will be building walls instead of bridges. In these situations, good communication will help you to collaborate, share ideas, and resolve conflicts like a pro. You can think of yourself as the office diplomat, who is smoothing things over and keeping the team spirit high!
Have you ever felt like a shrinking violet in a meeting? Well, with good communication skills, you can transform yourself into a confident leader. You will be able to present your ideas with aplomb, negotiate with finesse, and inspire others with your passion.
Remember, the loudest voice does not always win, but the one that communicates clearly and persuasively sure does!
We all know that networking is all about building relationships, and what is the formula for a good relationship?
Yep, you guessed it – communication!
Whether you are schmoozing at a conference or meeting up with an old colleague, if you are able to strike up a conversation and connect with them, it will open the doors you never knew existed.
Word travels fast, my friend. If you are known as someone who communicates clearly, listens attentively, and gives constructive feedback, then you will build a reputation as you are a reliable and valuable asset for the organisation. And that is the golden ticket to career growth. At your workplace, people will want to work with you, learn from you, and maybe even promote you!
There is no one fool-proof method for building good communication skills. There are many ways in which you can work on improving your communication skills and become an effective communicator. Today, the internet has brought to us a plethora of resources that you can use to build these skills. Here, we have listed some of the top resources that you can use.
If you have a hectic schedule, finding time for yourself can be a challenge. For those constantly on the go, Spotify Podcasts offer a quick escape – whether during a commute or a short break. You can listen to these podcasts to know more about communication & career growth.
If you want to boost your communication skills and advance your career, these books serve as valuable guides. Packed with practical insights.
So there you have it, five reasons why good communication is the secret weapon for career success. Remember, it’s not just about fancy words and big speeches, it is about connecting with people, sharing ideas, and building trust. So, go forth and communicate with confidence.
All the best for your career!
