It has long been my contention that everything is based on relationship.
On a personal level, we prefer to spend time with those whom we like (or love).
On a professional level, we prefer to be in business, and do business, with people we know, like and trust.
In fact, those three words, know, like and trust, are so vital to building strong business relationships that they have become a cliché in the marketing world.
So how do you create the relationships in your life that result in know, like and trust?
The answer is effective communication skills!
A classic survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) proves this point. Employers were asked to rate the most important skills they wanted from new candidates and potential hires.
According to NACE’s Job Outlook 2016 report, verbal communication was rated number one as the most crucial skill needed in business.
This skill won the top spot over other important skills, such as teamwork, decision-making, problem-solving, planning, organizing, prioritizing, and several types of technical knowledge.
And of course, it is not only new hires who need effective communication skills.
They are vital to a business’s success at every level, from the new hire at the bottom of the ladder, to the Big Kahuna at the top.
- To lead effectively, leaders need to be able to communicate their vision and engage the commitment to that vision from their employees at every level of the organizational chart.
- To manage effectively, managers need to be able to listen well and guide their team members in such a way that each person feels that his or her contribution is essential to the success of the team.
- Good team members need to be able to share their good ideas (knowing that they will be respected, even if not accepted), and feel safe asking for help and guidance when it is needed.
Now reread those three items through the lens of personal communications, and see how closely they apply to interactions in your personal life as well — planning a family trip being an obvious example.
At the end of the day, good communication skills serve you in every area of your life.
If you have been considering up-grading your own verbal communication skills (whether personally or professionally, or both), I invite you to check out my offer of a complimentary Strategy Session with me.
Details (along with a free gift) are available at http://meetwithmarjorie.com/
Effective verbal communication skills are crucial to your success in both your personal and your professional life.
Is now the time to upgrade yours?
Let’s plan to chat soon.
