Why effective Communication?-Why now?-Why Not?

Experts have been preaching the need for effective communication in business for many years.  Stores of books have been published about how to be an active listener, how to facilitate meetings, and how to find out what communication style you use (are you a lion, a tiger, or bear? Oh my). Consultants tried to sell expensive, one-size-fits-all solutions to improve corporate communication. So what has changed?  Why is now a good time?  Can you afford not to invest in training for you or your staff. When we consider these three questions you'll be able to see that new communication skill training is something you and your company need.

Why Effective Communication? First of all, some new research has shown just how important effective communication is as an indicator of organizational and individual success.  The March 2011 Business Communication Quarterly just published an article with some striking data about affective communication in organizations.  Higher scores of effective communication lead to these results...

• Greater organizational success including financial returns (47% greater returns to investors)
• Report 20% lower employee turnover
• Higher productivity, customer satisfaction, and more employee engagement (4.5 times more!)
• Greater opportunities for individual professional advancement

Why Now?  I do not need to say too much about the demands of the market place, you know your business and your challenges better than anyone.  And, unfortunately, the young people joining the work force lack some of the basic skills your company needs to compete and excel.  National Public Radio has recently aired stories about college students graduating without basic communication or critical thinking skills.  Something like 50% of students can get a degree without ever taking a course that requires written communication or critical thinking.  Of course, college professors complain that many students start college with a video game mentality and limited interpersonal skills.

Why Not? The current economy requires all businesses, large or small, to do more with less-they need to be more productive.  The Business Communication Quarterly says communication training can have a 235% return on investment.  What better to invest in than your career or business.