The Art of Effective Communication: A Game Changer for General Managers in Small to Medium Companies
Communication is more than just words; it's an art. It's the masterpiece created when your brush strokes of sincerity and honesty meet the canvas of human interactions. Especially for you, the General Manager of a Small to Medium Sized Company (SME), communication is your lifeline. It is the invisible thread that weaves its way through every aspect of your organization, from decision making to employee engagement, customer relations, and more. So, let's take a deep dive into effective communication as the Picasso of your general management journey.
Understanding the Importance of Communication
For small-medium businesses (SMBs), effective communication works as the oil that keeps the organisation's engine running smoothly. Case in point, a study conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI) indicated that one out of five projects fail due to inadequate communication. Now, that's food for thought!
Nailing the Skill of Clear Communication
So, as a general manager, how do you become the Mozart of effective communication? Let's consider these strategic keywords: clarity, conciseness, consistency, empathy, and feedback. Use your words to create a symphony of understanding within your teams, promoting a culture of integrity and transparency.
Communication as a Tool for Conflict Resolution
Remember that disagreements are an organic part of your organization, like broccoli in your vegetable garden. However, just like your green buddies need proper care, these conflicts need your art of communication for resolution.
Maximising Employee Engagement through Communication
As a leader, you’re the company rockstar! And just like any rockstar, your biggest fans (your employees) seek to connect with you. Through effective and open communication, you can ensure that they're singing the same songs as you and not turning the volume down!
Taking Communication to the Customer's Court
Empathy is your golden ticket in this arena. Understand their needs, wants and concerns like your favourite movie lines and let your brand voice echo back their thoughts. Do this right, and you've hit the bullseye!
Conclusion
In conclusion, you, as a General Manager, could wield the power of communication as proficiently as Thor wields his Mjolnir. So put on your communication cap and paint your canvas of organizational success. As George Bernard Shaw said, 'The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.'. Don't fall into this illusion; instead, master the art of effective communication and let the music play!
References: Project Management Institute, George Bernard Shaw's Quotes
