Communication (not) for all

Corporate Communication is a tool and as such it needs to be used professionally and this is the responsibility of a Communication Manager. As everyone every now and then needs a second opinion or advice this website will focus on professional communication in all its forms and uses. There will be theory, arguments, controversy, questions and answers, examples, cases and most of all an effort to bring communication into the light spot. As we ALL need and use communication in our daily lives. And we do so without really realizing it. Communication is indeed so natural for us that the majority never spares a moment to think of the importance of that seemingly simple act.

If you observe carefully those around you, you will discover how many misunderstandings, failures and problems come from miscommunication. The most striking is still that those involved have no idea about the fact that their problems often arise because of a simple mistake or failure to read their partner’s reactions. The reason is mostly that as humans we are programmed to focus on ourselves and ignore the outside world as it is too much of a complicated task to simultaneously reflect on ourselves, the others and the interactions between us, the others and the environment.

However, this “rationalization” impacts us daily and in unpredictable ways. Even if you assume that it is alright to live without a special focus on communication in your personal life, it is a mistake you will come to regret if you allow yourself to be careless about your business communication.

And here comes the first question. Do you grasp the concept of communication? As an owner or managing director you are surely quite competent when it comes to business strategy. But do you understand the importance of acceptance by the communities? Do you see the need of communication that stems from the core of the business and encompasses all the company’s activities? Do you feel it is necessary to have your employees as empowered and informed supporters of your cause? Do you realize that besides goals you need a cause? And so do the questions go on and on.

Most businessmen believe that communication is simple. You need to communicate that you are responsible, you offer good quality and you are generally better than anybody else. Well, if it was so simple there would not be so many company crashes.

The truth is that communication is not a tool you order from the store and it just starts working. It is not a dress you buy ready, reshape if necessary and wear. It is not something which could be generalized. Just as in our personal relations, the communication of a company with its publics and stakeholders is and should be unique.

That is exactly what I will focus on here. I will show how communication works in practice as all the posts here will be based on experience. I will answer questions and in doing so I will do my best to help you understand your own communication process.

DIDI