Are you a Dictator or a Communicator ?

The key to success in any business or organisation is effective communication. As human beings, we make far to many assumptions. We always assume people know what they are doing or where they are going.

The question is, do they?

A great quote I like is "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."

George Bernard Shaw

Assumptions are dangerous in any walk of life especially when people are making decisions or cultivating ideas.

So what is the best way to ensure strong and effective communication? I have put together what I feel are five steps to achieving an environment that is on message and has everyone empowered, engaged and signing from the same hymn sheet.

Step 1. Do not assume

I have pretty much covered this above. In business, we assume that people know things. There are certain things in life you can assume people know, The grass is green, the world is round. It is human nature for people to form ideas and opinions, so never assume people know, on most occasions they don’t.

Step 2 Consider the message

I have witnessed on many occasions messages that are emotional and irrational. We have all had that moment when you hit the send button and think ahhhhh, should you have pressed send?

To elevate these situations, I always find it is better to take a step back, breath and just run it pass people whom you can trust at the relevant level.

Always keep it simple and ensure that the lowest common denominator can understand and digest the message.

Step 3 Delivery

Consideration of the content within the message and the channel it is delivered is extremely important. The advent of text messaging has formed a cowardly delivery method. It is far too easy to tell people things they don’t want to hear via 160 characters.

If you are a leader, then you have to choose the correct form of delivery that suits the message and not choose a channel that avoids contact.

Good news is great and can be delivered to the masses, but there is no easy way to deliver bad news, although there is a right way and that is the consideration.

Always consider how you yourself would like to receive the message and you won't go far wrong.

Step 4 Feedback

Are you a dictator or a communicator?

Communication good, bad or indifferent should have the ability for feedback. We now live in the world where communication and dialogue are more prevalent than ever.

My ethos is to empower people within an engaged community, authentic feedback is needed at every stage of the process.

I have to reaffirm the word authentic; because if your feedback is just a tick box exercise then it will have a massive detrimental effect.

Remember listening is a key element to good communication. Ensure you listen and then take a joined-up approach to the actions that are needed.

Step 5 Measure

Measurement is not always used and is rarely implement. We should always measure everything we do to allow us to develop organically and with a sense of purpose.

Looking in the mirror is difficult for some people and coming out of denial is an even bigger step that is why measurement is in some parts not used and at best not implemented.

Measure every process of the communication, and in doing so you ensure truth and integrity are the main drivers. That way your next communication will be more effective.

Communication is the key to life let alone a within your business or organisation.

Ensure you are a communicator and not a dictator!