A long time ago I was given the great advice that communication is a key determinate of success in virtually every aspect of life. Anyone who tells you otherwise is likely missing the “big picture.”

Communication is absolutely vital in all business and professional settings. Find a once-successful business that failed and you will likely see one where the communication went bad.

Nearly everyone has worked with — or for — a bad communicator. It creates a hostile work environment to say the least.

Of course, communication is critical in personal relationships. Compromise may be the key to any successful marriage, but communication is certainly the glue that holds it all together.

And the list of areas where communication is crucial goes on and on.

It is paramount when it comes to teaching children, growing a community, operating a trusted government and virtually anything else that matters.

So, why then are so many of us so bad at it?

That may be the million-dollar question. Even those who are essentially paid to communicate for a living often do it very poorly. There are lots of examples when it comes to public relations

President Barack Obama’s constant message that people could keep their insurance after his health care overhaul is one example. Despite an army of speechwriters and spin-doctors, this was either a huge blunder or a blatant lie. I’ll leave that up to the individual to decide.

Locally, the ongoing issue with creating more public access to Eagle Lake in Edwardsburg is another example of flawed lines of communication. Until recently, the conversation between lake residents, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the township has been somewhat broken. It may be getting better now after a recent public forum, but much of the concern and dispute could have been eliminated with better communication from the state agency.

But good communication isn’t enough. The question is: How do we become great communicators?

I certainly don’t claim to have all the answers. I’ve recently been re-reading Jim Collins’ excellent book “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t.” The business author offers lots of insights that apply to communication as well as improving other areas of our lives.

“Greatness is not a function of circumstance,” he wrote. “Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.”

There are millions of experts and leadership books out there that can offer all sorts of advice on how to be a great communicator. But, for me, good communication has a few basic steps.

First, shut up and listen. If one person does all the talking that isn’t communication.

Second, be very clear and specific about the information conveyed and what it means.

Third, say what you are going to do and do what you say.

Fourth, ask if everything is understood and refer back to item number one on this list.

Finally, follow up to ensure the message was handled appropriately.

Improving communication skills is a constant process of self-reflection and evaluation. No one can say, “OK, I’m a great communicator. Now I’m done.” If we all spend a little more time on our communication skills our communities and, ultimately, our lives will be better for it.

“Good” and “good enough” won’t lead to success.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.