In 30 seconds
Tech is great, but it’s only as good as the people using it. That’s especially true for communication.
But wait, there’s a catch. Tools like Slack and Teams, while helpful, can cause information overload and misunderstandings. Constant messages, unclear chats, and brief texts lacking context can create a communication mess.
On top of that, company culture and our own communication styles can add to the problem. Unclear goals, fear of speaking up, and even hidden biases can make it hard to talk openly.
The good news? These challenges can be fixed.
Strong communication builds bridges, not walls.
In 2 minutes
Communication is the lifeblood of any successful business. Yet, in today’s digital age, a multitude of communication tools can create hidden obstacles, hindering collaboration and fostering misunderstandings.
While communication platforms like Discord, Slack, Google Chat, Teams, etc. offer undeniable advantages, it’s crucial to understand how they can contribute to broader communication issues within organisations.
One key challenge lies in information overload. The constant stream of messages and notifications can be overwhelming, making it difficult to find important information. Scattered conversations across multiple channels further compound this issue, leaving crucial details buried in a digital haystack. Additionally, the brevity of text-based communication can lack context and nuance, leading to misinterpretations of tone and intent.
Another layer of complexity comes from communication styles and skills gaps. Lack of active listening, where people focus solely on formulating their next response, hinders genuine understanding. Poor communication planning, with meetings lacking clear agendas and objectives, leads to rambling discussions and a lack of focus. Furthermore, differing communication styles, whether favouring verbal, written, or in-person interaction, can create misunderstandings if not acknowledged.
When employees feel unsafe admitting mistakes or asking questions, it creates a breeding ground for misinformation and hinders creative problem-solving.
Miscommunication and Misinterpretation
Informal Communication Styles and the informal nature of these tech communication channels can lead to misunderstandings due to sarcasm, missing nonverbal cues, or unclear tone. Add to this limited attention spans where people may skim messages, missing important details or misinterpreting the intent.
The good news
These challenges are not insurmountable. Businesses can leverage the power of communication tools by establishing clear guidelines for communication style, information sharing, and appropriate channel usage. Utilising features within the tools themselves, such as pinning important messages or creating focused discussion threads, can also enhance communication clarity.
However, this all comes back to the training in and promotion of soft skills like active listening, questioning skills and empathy within and across teams to bridge communication gaps. Studies show teams with strong soft skills achieve 21% higher profitability, while estimates suggest employees with these skills could increase revenue by over $90,000 per person annually*. By 2030, Deloitte predicts that two-thirds of all jobs will rely heavily on soft skills.
Most importantly, prioritising face-to-face interaction, whether through in-person meetings or video calls, allows for a more nuanced exchange of ideas and fosters stronger team rapport.
Technology is only as powerful as the people who use it.
By acknowledging the challenges and implementing these solutions, businesses can transform communication tools from potential roadblocks into powerful bridges, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
Remember, everybody lives by selling something.
* https://www.deloitte.com/au/en/services/economics/perspectives/soft-skills-business-success.html
Stories From the Field
“I used the prospecting ‘phone conversation structure’ and I have a meeting with a client I thought was not going to re-engage with us. The client was very positive and stated she wants to work with us moving forward. Wow. This good feeling may become addictive.’” Professional services firm consulting one day after the first session of an initial 2-day workshop with 4 follow up sessions.
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