Effective Communication 1

Effective Communication

Sahil Thapar

A00115795

Leadership for SCM- SCM 140-78

Ankur Sandal

June 21st 2020

Effective Communication

There is more to effective communication than simply sharing knowledge. It is

about understanding the information behind the emotions and intentions. Besides being

able to convey a message clearly, you also need to listen in a way that acquires the full

meaning of what is being said and makes the other person feel heard and understood

(Robinson, L et al, June 2019).

Effective communication feels as instinctive as it should be. But all too often,

something goes wrong when we try to communicate with others. We tell one phrase, the

other individual says another, and misunderstandings, anger, and disputes result. This

will create issues with the relationships with the family, school, and job (Robinson, L et

al, June 2019).

Types of Effective Communication

There are 4 types of effective communication:

 Verbal- Verbal communication is the usage of the language through speaking

or sign language to pass knowledge. This is one of the most popular styles,

frequently used during interviews, video conferences, telephone calls,

meetings, and one-on-one interactions. Verbal communication is important

because the communication is effective. Fostering oral communication with

both nonverbal and written communication can be helpful (Indeed, May 28 th,

2020).

 Non-Verbal- The use of body language, gestures, and facial expressions to

convey information to others is nonverbal communication. It may be used

intentionally as well as involuntarily. For example, when you hear a pleasing

or enjoyable idea or piece of information, you may smile unintentionally.

Nonverbal communication is useful when attempting to understand the

thoughts and feelings of others (Indeed, May 28 th, 2020).

 Written- Written communication is the act whereby symbols such as letters

and numbers are written, typed, or printed to convey information. This is

useful because it includes a list of relevant material. Writing is commonly

used by books, pamphlets, blogs, letters, memos, and more to share

information. Emails and chats are a common form of on-the-job written

communication (Indeed, May 28th, 2020).

 Visual- Visual communication is the process of conveying knowledge through

photos, paintings, illustrations, diagrams, maps, and graphs. At presentations

graphics are also used as an assist in presenting valuable information

alongside written and/or verbal contact. Because people have different styles

of learning, visual communication may be more helpful in consuming ideas

and information for some (Indeed, May 28th, 2020).

BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

 Dissatisfaction or Disinterest with One’s Job- If you're unhappy or have

lost interest in your job, you 're far less likely to communicate effectively-both

on the ends of giving and receiving. Your heart is not in it. Perhaps this hurdle

is the toughest to resolve as it requires shifting an attitude, and therefore it

does not usually shift before the individual exits (Willkomm, A, July 18 th,

2018).
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 Inability to Listen to Others- A significant part of effective communication is

the active listening. You cannot communicate with anyone because you do

not listen to them and you will continue to make conclusions based on your

expectations and facts regarding their needs (Willkomm, A, July 18 th, 2018).

 Lack of Transparency & Trust- Communicating anything is extremely

difficult when there is a lack of transparency and trust. For example, if your

staff thinks you 're holding back something, they'll be anxious, some will

speculate, and as a result, any attempt you make to communicate with them

will be more difficult for them to process (Willkomm, A, July 18 th, 2018).

 Communication Styles- Every has his own form of speech. Some people

are very straight forward while others prefer a more indirect approach. Others

use specific details, whilst others depend on generalities, and so on.

Occasionally, one person is too ingrained in the way they interact, they find it

challenging to connect with those who rely on another type. You could hear

remarks like, "Mary never discusses what she needs me to do, she's never

clear," or "Bill gets so lost in the weeds, that I lose perspective on the bigger

picture." (Willkomm, A, July 18th, 2018).

 Conflicts in the Workplace- Conflict can arise for several causes and is a

deterrent to good contact when it does. The nature of the conflict is not

necessarily important, what is important is working to resolve the conflict.

When conflict is not eradicated, it grows and then people begin to take sides,

which further impedes effective communication (Willkomm, A, July 18 th,

2018).
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 Cultural Differences & Language- Comprehension of the cultural

differences in communication is critical. But do not always consider

international as though to note that one's nickname precedes their assigned

name in Japan. Regional differences can also occur – for example, a

northerner might not like the term "y' all" or even understand the more

comprehensive version, "all y' all." While these examples may seem trivial,

the point is that cultural differences can occur within the U.S. boundaries, and

if one does not recognize cultural differences, they risk offending the other.

Communication falls in the crime (Willkomm, A, July 18 th, 2018).

TOP 5 EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS REQUIRED FOR PROJECT

MANAGERS

 Active Listening- First and foremost, is our ability to listen and understand

others. Hearing the words and meaning behind their words, not interrupting,

or allowing our minds to wander, asking questions to check understanding,

and observing non-verbal signals.

According to Indian project manager Nirav Patel, CAPM, "The rewards

involve allowing citizens to speak up, and thanks to that plenty of

misunderstandings and disputes can be settled." (Sweeney, J, September 6th,

2010).

 Building Relationships Based on Trust and Respect- The cornerstones of

personal relationships are confidence and respect. They are earned, not a

right, and they come from our honesty, integrity and expertise experience.
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Truthfulness, openness, willingness to share ideas and information freely,

consistency, reliability, loyalty, abilities, and competence are among the

characteristics people used to determine our credibility.

"Confidence allows people to come out with suggestions, recommend ways to

better job, chat about their problems and offer guidance," says Kareem

Shaker, PMP based in Dubai (Sweeney, J, September 6 th, 2010).

 Setting Clear Priorities- Third position is the willingness of a project

manager to articulate a team 's vision-through defining objectives, preparing,

and prioritizing. We call this the what, who, when, where, why and how. Team

members should understand both the technical priorities of the big picture and

of the lower level (Sweeney, J, September 6th, 2010).

 Enabling Collaboration- In a collaborative environment, team members

support and encourage each other rather than focusing solely on their tasks

and responsibilities. They are willing to cooperate and share information,

ideas, and assets for mutual assistance. The consequence can be more than

the sum of its pieces (Sweeney, J, September 6 th, 2010).

 Conveying the Organization’s Vision- Explaining the bigger image lets staff

leaders realize that the initiative falls into the corporate entity and

organization’s overarching priorities. Senior executives focus on the triple

bottom line - finance, environment, reputation - this is where they expect your

project to make a difference (Sweeney, J, September 6th, 2010).

References

Robinson, L et al (2019). Effective Communication. Retrieved June 21, 2020, from

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/effective-

communication.htm

Indeed (2020). 4 Types of Communication (With Examples). Retrieved June 21, 2020,

from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/types-of-

communication

Willkomm, A (2018). 6 Barriers To Effective Communication. Retrieved June 21, 2020,

from https://drexel.edu/goodwin/professional-studies-blog/overview/2018/July/6-

barriers-to-effective-communication/

Sweeney, J (2010). Top Five Communication Skills for Project Managers. Retrieved

June 21, 2020, from https://www.projectsmart.co.uk/top-five-communication-skills-for-

project-managers.php