Few business management skills are more important than communication. Every leader must prioritize these skills in order to find success for their teams and organizations. A person with strong communication skills is better at presenting innovative ideas, setting expectations with their teams and creating an environment that promotes confidence and psychological safety throughout the workforce.
Unfortunately, this is an area where today’s leaders are lacking. In fact, Dynamic Signal’s 2019 Annual State of Employee Communication and Engagement Study found that ineffective communication has caused significant stress for 80% of the U.S. workforce, up 30% more from the year before. Of the 1,001 U.S. employees surveyed, 63% considered quitting their jobs due to the impact of communication issues on their work, almost double the 33% reported in 2018.
Communication skills are a major focus for learners pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) online program from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). This is because refining these skills can significantly contribute to future leadership success.
Leadership Skills Begin With Effective Communication
Effective communication is the foundation of good leadership. Great leaders understand how to motivate and align their teams by presenting a vision that inspires and resonates with everyone involved. This generates team buy-in for visions and strategies, ensuring employees at all levels are aligned in their priorities and direction. Even the very best business strategies can fail without effective communication.
In a business setting, communication skills go beyond just talking. They involve listening, providing feedback and fostering collaboration. Leaders who are effective in these areas are better equipped to build trust within their teams and drive organizational success. Undergraduate students who prioritize effective communication throughout their education develop leadership skills and learn communication strategies that bring people together and foster success.
How Communication Strategies Enhance Stakeholder Relationships
One of the most valuable outcomes of effective communication is building strong relationships with business contacts. Whether it’s engaging with clients, partners or colleagues, communication skills play a big role in maintaining trust and collaboration. There are digital tools that have made communication faster and more accessible, including mobile phones and virtual meeting programs like Microsoft Teams/Zoom/Google Meet, Slack and Discord. Learning to use them appropriately is essential for navigating complex business environments.
Communicating effectively helps business professionals manage expectations, solve problems quickly and build long-term relationships that benefit both the organization and its stakeholders. This is especially important in roles that require regular contact with customers or partners, where clarity and empathy can make the difference between success and failure.
How to Improve Communication Skills
When it comes to improving communication skills, there are a few key strategies that can lead to clearer, more effective interactions. The first is thinking about how your message will be received before delivering it, making sure it suits your specific audience. This helps reduce confusion and get everyone aligned toward common goals.
Another method is keeping things simple. This means avoiding jargon or unnecessary details to make your message easier to understand and act upon. Encouraging two-way communication by actively seeking feedback is also important, as it allows others to clarify or offer insights that lead to more effective decision-making.
The Correlation Between Better Communication Skills and Job Prospects
According to recent research, 70% of global employers prioritize communication skills when hiring. This means that whether you’re applying for an entry-level or leadership position, being good at articulating ideas, collaborating with colleagues and resolving conflicts are advantages in the job market. The correlation between better communication skills and better job prospects is clear.
Communication is also a significant driver of employee motivation. Leaders who communicate effectively are more likely to inspire their teams and get them working toward shared goals. When a goal is communicated well, it’s much easier for employees to rally around. This leads to higher productivity and a stronger sense of purpose within the team.
Communication Skills as the Key to Success
When the time comes for you to choose where to focus your undergraduate education, it’s important to consider how much emphasis each program places on communication skills. For students looking to enhance their communication abilities and leadership potential, the online BSBA program from SIUE offers the tools and knowledge needed to excel in today’s competitive job market.
Learn more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s online BSBA program.
