by Derek Oxley

Created on: January 22, 2011   Last Updated: January 28, 2011

Communication skills lubricates the wheels of commerce in business, without it the friction would seize the economy-the aftershock would be felt world wide, markets would crash and heads would roll.  The importance of communication skills play an integral part in business, from board rooms to janitorial closet and every place in between.  Without the ability to communicate effective in business will diminish your personal effectiveness, create silos politics and turf wars that will eat the heart out of your business.  

Customers have tons of shopping choices today for Tide-Walmart, Target, CVS/Pharmacy, Walgreens or Rite Aide-effective communicates from frontline associates and managers makes the shopping experience pleasant.  The differentiating factor in the global economy will be the people who deliver extraordinary service. 

Leadership guru, John Maxwell said everyone communicates but few connect.  Communication is a two way street.  Some people feel the skill is communicating in one direction without offending the person you're having a conversation with.  Pleasant dushenne smiles don't ensure compliance.  Connecting with another human being takes authentic communication skills..  The effective communicator in business takes into consideration the cultural difference of those they interact with.  In Outliners Malcolm Gladwell shares the story of a plane crash that could have been avoided if the co-pilot wasn't afraid to speak up to air traffic control and the pilot.  The plane was running on fumes and rather than communicate with a sense of urgency to the Air Traffic Controller, he politely shared the fact they were running out of gas.  Because the Air Traffic Controller did not hear a sense urgency the plane crashed. 

More accidents occur in business because leaders run over their subordinates feelings or a peer throws someone under a bus during a meeting.  Because there's no crying allowed in business people simply grin and bear it.  But they haven't forgotten the experience.  They may seek verbal grooming after the meeting and complain about to their loved ones.  Ill feelings can slow down a teams production, impact service, profitability and shareholders return on their investment.  

Self deception in leadership contributes to miscommunication.  As a leader you may be tempted to feel that those who report to you only have a responsibility to listen.  After all you've worked hard to get to your current position; pretty soon conversations take the tone of a lecture instead of a free flow exchange of ideas.  Organizations flourish when there is two way communication based on mutual respect.  

The communication skills that needs to be honed most in business, is listening and reading body language.  It's easy to practice your elevator pitch the night before in the bathroom, in the car and on your way to the office; listening requires you to be in the presence of someone else.  Listening while the stakes or low is a start; take a moment and listen to the  gas attendant, doorman or receptionist.

Listening is oxygen for the soul, people want to be heard; it benefits the leader and business.  Ideas that grow your organization are in the hearts and minds of those on the front lines and you will never get them to share their golden nuggets if you don't listen.  Leaders that understand the importance of communication skills in business are able to extract the nuggets that lie dormant in the minds of their team members.

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