7 Communication Mistakes You Should Avoid in Business

Effective communication is at the heart of every successful business, no matter the size or industry. Everything in your business resolves around good communication, both internal (with employees, associates, co-workers or team members) and external (with clients and customers). Poor communication, or lack of it, inevitably causes misunderstandings, confusion and conflicts that hinder productivity and professional relationships.

It helps to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts

Unresolved or poorly navigated conflicts can damage and even destroy relationships with customers, employees, or co-workers

Customer service relies on good communication

The quality of your customer service directly depends on how good your frontline employees are when it comes to communicating with customers

It enables positive team relationships

Effective communication helps to unite teams, build a positive atmosphere in the workplace and encourage collaborative working

When team leaders are effective communicators they are able to maintain an open dialogue with other team members and create a safe environment for them to express their concerns, opinions and ideas without being shut-down

How to address difficult conversations with customers

Be well prepared

Steps to stop avoiding difficult conversations

Ask yourself: What is the cost of not having the conversation?

7 Worst Communication Mistakes You May be Making and How to Avoid Them

63% of business professionals experience communications-related issues with their customers, colleagues or team that stops them from achieving business goals at least weekly

Communication issues have led to lost customers, and 13% of respondents said they lost co-workers over those issues

Not Keeping an Open Mind

Closed-minded people spend more time talking than listening, tend to ignore opposing viewpoints and beliefs, rush to judgement and conclusions, and are generally not willing to consider new ideas and opinions.

Using One-Size-Fits-All Communication Approach

When it comes to communicating your brand to your audience, a one-size-fits-all approach no longer works anymore

The same message can be interpreted differently by different people
To achieve better communication with employees, managers and leaders need to tailor their communication style to each age group

It helps to create effective brand messaging

Having a clear, authentic, consistent brand voice not only helps your target audience better understand what you are selling and how it can benefit them, but also allows you to build trust with customers

Become open-minded

Practice being an active and engaged listener without interrupting or getting absorbed in your own thoughts

Challenge your thinking by embracing differing viewpoints, perspectives, and beliefs
Evaluate your options from every angle rather than being predisposed to one way of looking at things

Why is Effective Communication so Important in Business?

Companies with high effectiveness in change management and communication are three and a half times more likely to significantly outperform their competitors than those that are not effective in these areas

Why is effective communication so vital in business? Consider the following factors:

How to address difficult conversations with employees

Don’t delay

Do your homework
Set up a private meeting and think of the most suitable location in a relaxed environment
Watch your attitude and language
Be positive, respectful, non-confrontational
End the conversation by agreeing on clear goals

Difference between reacting and responding

Reaction is immediate

Drive by the beliefs, biases, and prejudices of the unconscious mind
Emotionally charged
Response is the outcome of thoughtfulness, reflection, and consideration
Often aggressive
Causes more reactions
Solution: deliberate formulate thoughtful response

Assuming Instead of Asking More Questions

Make quick assumptions instead of asking more questions

If you need clarification to get a better understanding – simply ask for it
Don’t assume everyone understands the message you are trying to deliver
Have a deep understanding of your customers
Ask them what they expect from you and how you can improve their experience

Using Negative Tone

Tone is naturally present in all forms of communication. It’s reflected in the way you phrase your message and the words you choose to use.

Over to You

Communication mistakes can have serious negative consequences for a business

They can damage your reputation, break relationships with employees, co-worker or customers, and lead to missed opportunities and lost revenue
Luckily, as Brian Tracy says “Communication is a skill that you can learn. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.”

Benefits of being open-minded in business communication

Open-minded people are better leaders, more effective communicators and collaborators

Avoid Negative Tone in Business Communication

Be friendly, but maintain an appropriate level of professionalism

Avoid using negative words
Use positive phrasing
Antonyms and non-discriminatory language
Focus on the solution rather than the problem
In written communications always re-read before sending

Avoiding Difficult Conversations

Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters

It’s far worse to let a problem fester as it could potentially cause further damage
Learning to deal head-on with your emotions can minimize the anxiety and make difficult conversations easier to handle

Reacting, Not Responding

Reacting instead of responding is a huge mistake in business communication especially when dealing with angry and disappointed customers, colleagues or employees.

A reaction doesn’t take into consideration long-term effects of what you say or do, and it’s very often something you’ll regret about later. Responding is more thoughtful and deliberate.