10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate with more than words. Here are 10 actions for effective communication:

1. Communication is what we intend it to be. Set your intention for any communication beforehand. What is the objective of the communication and what outcome do you want? In practice: By setting our intention and goals, sharing them and continually reminding ourselves of them during any communication, we improve the chances of a positive outcome that enhances our relationships.
    
2. Everything is communication. Recognise that another person’s communication, in all its varied and subtle forms, always has some significance for you and the situation at hand. In practice: Everything we do in life is a form of communication and it’s a two-way process – watch, listen and learn. What are another’s words, behaviour and body language telling us about their thoughts and feelings? How are we affecting them?
    
3. Close the distance. To bridge differences between you and others, you need to fully engage with them by closing the physical, emotional and mental distance that separates you. In practice: When communication breaks down we tend to move away from people. By seeing them as human beings with all the baggage that goes with that, we can focus on them with compassion and genuine interest. Try to re-establish our maintain eye contact during any communication. This will move the relationship forward.~
    
4. Nobody can make us feel anything. You always have a choice in the way you respond to the people around you, no mater how they may be behaving. In practice: Although it is often seen as normal to blame people for the way we feel, it is not helpful. By taking charge of our emotions we can make choices that allow us to respond and communicate more effectively in difficult situations.
    
5. Blame stops communication. Blame is a sure-fire way to end effective communication because it makes the other person feel they have failed. They will either fight back, withdraw from you, or become passively aggressive. In practice: Always aim for no-fault communication, where everybody can feel they they have been included, listened to and acknowledged. Try not to sit in judgment. Realise that we tend to blame others to take the heat off ourselves.`
    
6. Compromise is not resolution. Avoid compromise – it leads to situations where everybody feels they have lost something and leaves important issues unaired. In practice: It is tempting to compromise – it can bring things to a speedy conclusion, but the bargaining chips away at everybody’s position. Keep communicating openly, honestly and without blame until everybody feels heard and their contribution valued.
    
7. We don’t have to be right. You don’t have to be right. Be open to the possibility that you have something to learn from other people. This will make you more receptive to their communication. In practice: Insisting on being right means we lose the opportunity for learning or change, and we risk alienating the people around us. We don’t have to give in or give up, we just need to be willing to listen and learn from the people around us.
    
8. Trust others with what is on your mind. To communicate successfully and from strong working relationships, you must be willing to be completely honest with people and allow them to be honest with you. In practice: This level of honesty may raise fears of offending people and damaging relationships or of hearing less than complimentary views about ourselves. However, if our communication is sensitive, non-judgmental and aimed at genuinely helping the other person, it will always enhance the relationship.~~~~~
    
9. We are accountable for our experience. If you don’t like the way people are responding to you, avoid blame, accept responsibility and change your approach. In practice: If someone responds to us negatively, consider that only a small proportion of our communication relies on the words we use. How was our mood, tone, body language and general attitude to the other person? If we accept responsibility for our communication, in all its varieties, we are empowered to improve it and strengthen our relationships.
    
10. Do not interrupt. Interruptions destroy two-way communication. Be willing to hear another personal fully and sincerely. In practice: If we interrupt and try to take control of a conversation, we stop listening and lose the opportunity for learning. We interrupt because we don’t like the feelings that are coming up. Perhaps impatience, frustration, anger and boredom.

This leadership article..
was prepared for participants on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you are a first-time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you and your team can benefit, please contact us.

Looking for a speaker for your next event?
William Montgomery, our Founder and CEO, is available as a keynote speaker and event host. His experience as a speaker encompasses a wide number of audiences