The Importance of Good Communication

Communication:  a pillar of good relationships, both professionally and personally. Good communication is critical for building and maintaining trust, and for continually cultivating the connections made with current or potential clients. How are your communications skills? Are there small steps you can take to improve on your current habits?

Consider the adopting a couple of the following suggestions if you aren't already doing them:

• Reread your emails before you hit "send." How might the tone be interpreted by the reader? Could any unintended messages be communicated with any of the words or phrases used? 

• Consider the time it takes someone to read an email filled with information and requests. Would it be better to pick up the phone and call the recipient instead? Be cognizant of others' time and make a call when it would save them time (it may also save you the time it takes to type the email!).

• Don't avoid issues. If there is a misunderstanding, a miscommunication or an unmet expectation, don't wait and assume it will correct itself. The other person may not be aware of the issue, and unresolved issues rarely get better with time. Pick up the phone (or walk over) to discuss the issue at hand, and clear up things as quickly as possible.

• Remember your manners. This sounds extremely elementary, but your mom was right - simple manners can take you far! In the rush of day-to-day tasks and deadlines, don't forget all of the people who are helping around you. A "please" before a request and a "thank you" after can help others feel invested in and appreciated.