Introduction

Good managers and leaders are effective communicators. If management get things done through people, then it is essential that people know what is expected of them, that they seek and receive appropriate feedback about their work and that they can communicate openly and freely with their supervisors and key staff in the workplace.

Think about how you are kept busy during a typical workday. Think about the different roles that you play in supervising people: negotiator, scheduler, coach, leader, guide, baby-sitter… All these roles demand that you communicate with other people.

Communication with other people can consume a huge portion of your workday. Mintzberg’s classic study found that managers spend up to 80% of their time in communication-related activities.

In recent years, technology has increased both the amount and speed of information which circulates through organisations. However, technology does not ensure that communication will be effective. There are underlying core communication skills, which involve choosing the correct channels of communication, listening effectively and encouraging effective communication in all organisational or professional interactions.