Do you disagree? Ask yourself these questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How often does your team experience communication breakdown?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Does important information tend to get lost somewhere along the communication funnel?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do employees rely on the grapevine<\/a> for major company news and updates?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To help you understand what effective communication is and the role it plays in the workplace, we\u2019ll answer the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What is effective communication<\/strong>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What is the importance of<\/strong> effective communication in the workplace<\/strong>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What are the benefits of effective communication<\/strong>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What are the principles of effective communication<\/strong>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What are the 13 steps you need to take to make communication effective<\/strong>?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/What-Is-Effective-Communication_-Definition-Examples-and-How-to-Improve-It-cover.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEffective communication definition: What is effective communication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Effective communication is the process of successfully exchanging information, ideas, opinions<\/strong>, or other types of messages between 2 or more people, resulting in mutual understanding<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to communicate effectively, participants should be able to understand the message being conveyed as well as the emotion, intention, and purpose behind the message<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We asked Milan Kordestani<\/a>, author of the book, \u201c<\/em>I’m Just Saying: A Guide to Maintaining Civil Discourse in an Increasingly Divided World<\/em><\/a>\u201d<\/em> what the definition of effective communication is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Milan](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Milan-Kordestani.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cEffective communication is defined by individuals intentionally using conversation as a mechanism to find common ground with the person they’re speaking with. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
From a certain viewpoint, effective communication can be defined as an art of balance. It involves creating a conversation characterized by: <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Clarity, <\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Accuracy, and<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mutual understanding.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a conversation where the message is not only delivered but comprehended in the spirit it is intended. Effective communication can be viewed as the utilization of our rationality to relay and receive messages in the most virtuous way possible. It\u2019s a harmonious intersection of reflection, controlled tone, active listening, clear intention, and trust.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nTo improve their communication skills, aside from understanding the message, all participants need to feel content with the outcome of the conversation<\/strong>. In other words, apart from reaching an understanding, they also need to reach an agreement about the communication objective<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kordestani agrees and continues that empathy and respect are essential for effective communication:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cEffective communication requires us to harness our rationality and empathy to find common ground. It’s about nurturing an environment where different viewpoints are not just heard but respected and understood.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nFree team communication app<\/h2>\n
Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/default.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is effective communication in business?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On a broader scale, the establishment of successful communication in the workplace means creating an environment of trust and understanding within the team<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leadership Communication & Conflict Resolution Skills Trainer and Executive Coach, Hanne Wulp<\/a>, agrees and adds that sharing information frequently is key:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Hanne](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hanne-Wulp.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cEffective communication at work implies the creation of a strong information flow throughout the organization \u2014 employees of all layers contribute to it, and everyone feels safe and is motivated to do so.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn other words, by fostering a culture of transparency<\/strong> where the assertive communication style is encouraged and feedback is welcomed, you\u2019ll consequently be improving your organization\u2019s communication effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the benefits of effective communication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Simply put, businesses depend on information flow<\/strong>. Regardless of the industry you\u2019re in, if you\u2019re looking to expand and improve, learning how to communicate effectively is essential. Accordingly, that\u2019s why effective communication is among the top rated and sought after skills<\/a> any employee can have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the information flow is clogged in any way, the business will start to deteriorate. T<\/strong>hat is why we need effective communication to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Remove confusion<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Give purpose<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create accountability<\/strong><\/a>, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Build a <\/strong>positive company culture<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
More specifically, the top 6 benefits of effective communication<\/strong> are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Easier and better problem solving,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Easier and better decision making,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Better business relationships,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increased engagement, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improved productivity, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Better team culture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s take a look at what that entails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #1: Easier and better problem solving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As the most in-demand soft skill, communication is a must-have on a resume<\/strong>. According to 90% of employers<\/a>, the ability to communicate effectively could be what makes the difference between getting hired or not. The main reason for that is that great communication skills lead to easier problem solving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Problem solving is only possible if there\u2019s:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cooperation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Team collaboration<\/a>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Decisiveness, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coordinated action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What these factors have in common is reflected through effective communication skills \u2014 the glue that binds everyone in the team together and enables them to work as a cohesive unit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Effective communication is streamlined communication, which allows for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Quick information sharing<\/strong><\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mutual comprehension of the problem<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Collective assessment of the problem\u2019s impact<\/strong>, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Decision making<\/strong> that takes the whole system into consideration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In other words, when we streamline communication and allow everyone to take part in it, we\u2019ll solve problems more easily and quickly (not to mention with greater efficiency). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you interested in learning more about streamlined communication? Find a more detailed, first-hand insight here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How to Streamline Remote Team Communication: An Interview With Kreativ Alchemy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nWork, communicate, collaborate<\/h2>\n
Strengthen your business communication and collaboration with Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n
\n See features<\/a>\n\n Join Pumble<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/features.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefit #2: Easier and better decision making<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Making a decision in the workplace directly depends on how much information we have<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decision making is a process of choosing one option<\/a> from a selection of alternatives, relying on our comprehensive analysis of them all. In order to select the right one, we have to be fully aware of all alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s where effective communication comes in. Clarity is the pillar of adequate communication<\/strong>. As Michelle Giordano<\/a>, a Community Outreach Advocate, states, clarity is also necessary for informed decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Michelle-Giordano\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Michelle-Giordano.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cSuccessful decision making is made possible only through good communication. It is only possible to make informed decisions and solve problems more effectively when information is conveyed clearly and thoroughly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decision making is difficult enough in person but, when done remotely, it poses a whole different set of problems that teams have to overcome. That\u2019s why we have to approach it in a specific way. To find out more about how you can make decisions in a remote team, read the following article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Best Decision-Making Models Explained With Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #3: Better business relationships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In general, we can differentiate between 2 different types of effective communication in the workplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Internal<\/strong> and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- External<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Although separate, these 2 types of business communication are interlinked \u2014 if one is effective, the other will be as well. Maintaining <\/strong>clear and transparent communication<\/strong><\/a> both internally and externally is vital for your success.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The success of your collaboration with third parties<\/a> depends on how effective your communication is. How you (personally and as a company) interact with third parties will shape the reputation you have<\/strong> and affect how they see and interact with your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #4: Increased engagement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Low engagement costs companies across the world around $7.8 trillion<\/a>. This doesn\u2019t come as a surprise, given that studies show that only 21% of workers are actually engaged at work<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employee engagement leads to better performance and higher productivity levels. But, what does that have to do with communication effectiveness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, a survey on employee voice<\/a> has shown that 74% of highly engaged employees also feel heard<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, they feel as if their opinions and contributions matter. In comparison, only 30% of disengaged workers feel heard<\/strong> in the workplace, which implies a strong relationship between effective communication in the workplace and employee engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #5: Improved productivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to the same study, when they feel heard, 74% of employees are more effective<\/strong> at their job. Not to mention, 71% of them feel encouraged to share:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Ideas, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Thoughts, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Potential solutions, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Feedback. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, implementing effective communication can lead to improved productivity. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some older studies, like the McKinsey report, suggest that when companies employ social technologies to improve their internal communication, they can raise employee productivity by 20\u201325%<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
More recent data shows that 72% of managers and business leaders<\/strong> believe that their teams are more productive as a result of improved communication skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #6: Better team culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Practicing communication skills helps build trust among team members<\/a> and create a healthy environment to work in. That, in turn, leads to having a more collaborative culture<\/a> within the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kordestani highlights just how effective communication is for team culture and states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cBy reducing misunderstandings, [effective communication] encourages a more harmonious work environment, thereby increasing job satisfaction. It is essentially a foundational element for a successful and vibrant workplace culture.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fostering and maintaining a nurturing work environment and a positive team culture isn\u2019t easy, but it\u2019s vital for team success. Read more about it here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What is Company Culture and How to Build a Successful One<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nCollaborate in real time<\/h2>\n
Secure, real-time communication for professionals. Discuss, share & collaborate.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/landing-3.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to make communication effective?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Clearly, effective communication is vital for performance, both on individual and on team level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To achieve all the benefits effective communication brings, you need to not only understand the essentials of effective communication but also improve your communication skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the 13 steps you can follow<\/strong> to ensure you do precisely that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like anything else in life, you can learn to be a good communicator. To find out more about individual elements of effective communication you need to work on in order to become a stellar communicator, read the article below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How to Become an Effective Communicator<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Step #1: Follow the 7 Cs of communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The first step towards effective communication is to follow the 7 Cs of communication<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These 7 Cs of communication are the most important characteristics of effective communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Clarity<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coherence<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Confidence<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Correctness<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Conciseness<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Concreteness<\/strong>, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Courtesy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"7Cs](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/7Cs-of-Communication-Visual.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSubstep #1: Be clear in communication<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
To avoid misunderstandings and be an effective communicator, you need to be clear<\/strong>. Clear communication implies the communicator highlights a specific piece of information only<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A clear communicator focuses on pursuing a specific goal and delivering a specific message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a quick look at how the same information can be relayed clearly and unclearly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cDid you finish those reports that I asked for last Tuesday?\u201d \u2705<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cYoooo, what\u2019s up? So, check this \u2014 Mandy asked me when the reports we talked about last week will be done. I was like \u201cCan you chill girl? They\u2019ll be ready soonish!\u201d Man, she\u2019s so uptight, right?\u201d \u274c<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
In the first example, we can see that the question is formed in a clear and direct way. The recipient is immediately aware of what they are being asked so there are no risks of misinterpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the second example, we see that the person who sent the message chose a roundabout way of asking for information. The passive-aggressive approach<\/a> paired with overuse of jargon makes this an example of unclear communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being clear in communication helps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Make understanding easier and faster<\/strong> and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coherence<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clarity<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to Become an Effective Communicator<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- What is Company Culture and How to Build a Successful One<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- External<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Internal<\/strong> and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best Decision-Making Models Explained With Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Mutual comprehension of the problem<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Give purpose<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Accuracy, and<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What is the importance of<\/strong> effective communication in the workplace<\/strong>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What is effective communication<\/strong>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n