18 Service Pillars: Communicate

September 23, 2018

We here at CS3 use these Pillars to define how we work to achieve our Central Purpose – “Always provide extraordinary knowledge enabling our Client’s greatest success.”

This Service Pillar is both simple and complex – Communication.

A great deal has been written about why communication skills are important. Communication is the most fundamental building block of human society and it is essential to be able to work with others. This quote sums things up nicely: “Many believe that we currently live in an information age. Rather, I believe we live in a communication age.”

The internet and the world wide were created to help communicate knowledge, perceptions, and ideas.

There are a lot of skills and techniques involved in good communications; too many for us to cover today. However, there are a few that I like to cover. The first are for when we are on the receiving end of the communication process and the second three relate to the active roll.

Listening: Communication is bidirectional process, requiring both a transmitter and a receiver. That means that without an active, engaged, listening participant, true communication is not possible.

Open Mindedness: A good communicator should enter any conversation with a flexible, open mind. Be open to listening to and understanding the other person's point of view, rather than simply getting your message across. By being willing to enter into a dialogue, even with people with whom you disagree, you will be able to have more honest, productive conversations.

Reflection and clarification: These are common techniques used in verbal communication to ensure that what you heard and understood is what was intended.

Clarity and Concision: Good communication means saying just enough. Say what you want clearly and directly, whether you're speaking to someone in person, on the phone, or via email.

Confidence: It is important to be confident in all of your interactions with others. Confidence tells your audience that you believe in and will follow through with what you are saying.

Picking the Right Medium: It is important know what form of communication to use. The medium you use depends upon the person you are communicating with and nature of your message. Some things are almost always better conveyed face to face, in person. When that isn’t practical, a phone call may suffice. When working with very busy people, an email may be a better method. Still others may prefer texts or other form of instant messaging.

Respect: People will be more open to communicating with you if you convey respect for them and their ideas.

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