Communicate & Elevate - February

Welcome to the first edition of the Communicate & Elevate newsletter! I am very excited to have you here!

Here is what you can expect from the newsletter that will be published every third Monday of the month:

• An expert interview
• Tips on communication
• Case study
• An arising trend
• Key learnings from a communication book
• An interesting blog post

Ready? Let's go!

Expert interview

Sownuya Quansah from Unison give some insights on leadership skills. You can read more about it here.

Tip on communication - Active Listening

Active listening, a foundational element of effective communication, brings numerous advantages to interpersonal dynamics. It enhances comprehension by ensuring a focused understanding of the speaker's message, fostering clearer connections and reducing the likelihood of miscommunication. Through active listening, individuals can build trust, resolve conflicts, and boost team morale, contributing to a more collaborative and inclusive environment. The empathetic response facilitated by active listening not only supports better relationships but also aids in personal and professional growth. In a British English context, honing active listening skills is essential for leaders aiming to inspire trust and create positive work atmospheres, ultimately contributing to increased productivity and team cohesion.

Case study: Buffer

A notable example of great communication skills in the workplace comes from the social media management company Buffer. Their CEO, Joel Gascoigne, emphasizes that "transparency breeds trust," which is fundamental for great teamwork. To embody this principle, Buffer adopts policies like publishing and sharing most of their documents, including revenues, financials, and even salaries. Moreover, they operate with a fully transparent email system, where there are no private email servers or emails. This approach significantly increases efficiency, as it allows team members to seamlessly continue each other's work without any communication barriers. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of transparency and open communication in fostering trust and efficiency within a team. For more detailed information, you can visit the source of this case study here.

Trend: Integration of AI

One significant trend is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into communication strategies. AI technologies, like generative AI, are changing how internal communication (IC) is managed, offering hyper-personalization and more effective message delivery tailored to individual preferences and habits. This shift means that communication professionals will need to focus more on creating impactful, original content that resonates with their audience, as AI handles more of the formulaic aspects of planning and delivery.

Keylearnings from "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie

Genuine Interest in Others: Show sincere interest in other people and their lives.

Smile: A simple smile can make a significant positive impact.

Remember Names: Remembering and using people's names is crucial.

Be a Good Listener: Encourage others to talk about themselves.

Talk in Terms of Others' Interests: Speak about what interests the person you're communicating with.

Avoid Arguments: Arguing typically leads to nowhere and damages relationships.

Never Tell Someone They're Wrong: Directly telling someone they're wrong can be counterproductive.

Admit When You're Wrong: Swiftly and clearly admit your mistakes.

Genuine Appreciation: Express sincere appreciation and praise.

Encourage Others to Talk About Themselves: This makes people feel important and valued.

Blogpost; HOW EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT TRANSFORMS BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

In the business landscape, the significance of employee engagement is paramount. Gallup’s comprehensive research, “The Benefits of Employee Engagement,” provides pivotal insights into how engaged employees are fundamental to the success of companies, directly influencing crucial performance outcomes such as customer loyalty, profitability, productivity, and staff turnover. Read more here

Are you a team leader or learning and development manager and would like to be interviewed? Get in contact with me.

What is your top communication tip? Let us know in the comments below.

Have a magical rest of the day!

Christine