Communication

Definition of communication

Communication is the exchange of information through signs, symbols and systems such as language. Successful communication means finding a way to convey a message in the most comprehensible and receivable way possible.

For example, a phone call and an e-mail may convey the same message, but be received differently. Indeed, the result varies according to each person’s preferences in terms of interaction and information processing.

What is business communication?

Corporate communication can be defined as the process by which information, ideas and opinions are exchanged between different members of an organization. It is essential for coordinating activities, making decisions and achieving corporate objectives.

Corporate communication can take many forms, such as face-to-face meetings, telephone calls, e-mails, instant messages and presentations. It can also be formal or informal, internal or external, top-down or bottom-up.

In short, business communication is a key element in the effective management of an organization. It helps maintain coherence, collaboration and productivity, while fostering innovation and adaptation to change.

What would be an example of successful corporate communication?

An example of exemplary corporate communication for a team of IT developers, for example, would be transparent, open and effective communication. Here’s an example of a communication process that could be effective for such a team:

• Regular meetings: The team meets regularly to discuss project progress, challenges, opportunities and updates. Meetings are planned in advance, and team members are encouraged to participate and share their ideas.
• Clear communication: Team members communicate clearly with each other, using simple, precise language. Ideas and opinions are expressed constructively and without judgment.
• Appropriate communication tools: The team uses communication tools adapted to their needs, such as Slack, Zoom or Microsoft Teams, to enable real-time communication and to facilitate file and information sharing.
• Regular feedback: The team gives constructive feedback to each other on a regular basis. This can include feedback on work done, on communication and on the organization in general.
• Cross-functional communication: The development team communicates regularly with other company departments, such as marketing, customer service and project management, to ensure transparent communication and effective coordination.
• Documenting communication: It’s important to document all decisions made and actions taken, so that the team can refer to them at a later date should the need arise.

In short, exemplary corporate communication for a team of IT developers requires transparent, clear, tool-appropriate, regular, constructive, cross-functional and documented communication.

What’s the difference between communication, collaboration and cooperation?

Although communication, collaboration and cooperation are all forms of interaction between individuals, they differ in purpose and nature.

1. Communication** refers to the exchange of information and ideas between individuals. It can take many forms, such as face-to-face conversations, e-mails, telephone calls or instant messages. Communication is a key element of any effective collaboration or cooperation.
2. Collaboration** refers to cooperation between several individuals to achieve a common goal. It often involves effective communication between team members, as well as the sharing of tasks and responsibilities. Collaboration is often used to solve complex problems or to carry out major projects.
3. Co-operation** refers to the action of working together to achieve a common goal, emphasizing the harmony and synergy of each individual’s efforts. It is often used in situations where team members have distinct but complementary roles. Cooperation also requires effective communication to ensure optimal coordination and collaboration.

In summary, communication is the exchange of information and ideas, collaboration is the cooperation between several individuals to achieve a common goal, while cooperation is the action of working together to achieve a common goal, with the emphasis on harmony and synergy of each individual’s efforts.

Why is it so difficult to communicate well in business?

There are many reasons why it can be difficult to communicate well in the workplace. Here are just a few:

• Information complexity: Corporate information can be complex and difficult to convey clearly and concisely.
• Information noise: In a work environment where people are constantly bombarded with information, phone calls, e-mails and instant messages, it can be difficult to focus on effective communication.
• Different communication styles: People have different communication styles, which can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective communication.
• Language and cultural barriers: Language and cultural differences can also pose communication problems, especially in multilingual and multicultural companies.
• Hierarchy and power: Corporate hierarchies and power structures can also hinder effective communication, by limiting access to information or making it difficult for employees to communicate their ideas and concerns.
• Lack of time: Employees may be overworked and not have enough time to communicate effectively.
• Lack of communication skills: Employees may not have the necessary competencies to communicate effectively, which can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective communication.

In summary, effective corporate communication can be difficult due to information complexity, informational noise, differences in communication styles, language and cultural barriers, hierarchy and power, lack of time and lack of communication competency. Companies can put in place training, tools and processes to help improve corporate communication.

Suggested reading to improve your communication skills

There’s a lot of useful reading out there to help you improve your business communication style. Here are a few suggestions for books that can help you improve your business communication:

1. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie: This classic book offers practical advice on how to improve your communication skills and strengthen your professional relationships.
2. “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler: This book offers strategies for handling difficult and emotional conversations, such as salary negotiations, constructive criticism and disagreements.
3. “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It” by Chris Voss: This book offers practical advice on negotiation, based on the author’s experiences as a former FBI negotiator.
4. “The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking” by Edward B. Burger and Michael Starbird: This book offers strategies for improving your critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills, which can also improve your business communication.
5. “Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler: This book offers strategies for holding others accountable for their behavior, while maintaining a respectful business relationship.

In short, these books offer a variety of practical tips to improve your business communication style, helping you manage difficult conversations, strengthen your professional relationships and enhance your critical and creative thinking.