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Effective Business Communication

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12-Dimensions of Effective Business Communication

In a light speed world, people need to communicate at increasing speeds (and from increasing distances) in order to build trust. Internally, this means a focus from the top on building systems of effective business communication in four dimensions: up, down, across, and through time. It also means focusing on the eight external dimensions of communication.

The Four Internal Dimensions of Communication

Inside the organization, there are four dimensions of communication to consider – up, down, and across the organization, as well as consistently over time. Effective leaders communicate in “4-D.” They recognize their natural tendency to shy away from at least one of these dimensions. We each have strengths in how we communicate internally. Some are better with peers, others are better with their boss, others are better with subordinates. Many leaders neglect communicating consistently over time. It’s important to take stock of your weakest dimension and compensate accordingly.

All of this takes energy and commitment. You should employ a broad range of communication strategies, such as small one-on-one meetings, group meetings with employees and managers, “all-hands” meetings, performance updates, e-newsletters, blogs, employee forums, and off-site meetings. You need to make your workplace safe for this kind of communication. If you want to build trust, you have to create an environment where people can speak out, voice their concerns, and offer ideas without retribution. Communication takes place when a dialogue occurs. Announcing a new goal or policy isn’t enough. You communicate when you ask people questions and help them learn. Communication occurs when you create face-to-face forums and energize people to exchange ideas about issues of real importance to the organization.

When you talk to movie and stage actors, you learn that the best directors create a safe place where new ideas can be tested and communication and respect can grow. the same is true inside an organization. If it’s not safe for people to talk, it’s impossible for trust to grow. Remember, the key to leading in a light speed world is to triple or quadruple the level of communication. It may seem like an expensive investment of your time. But as people begin to act in concert, you’ll feel the organization shift to a higher speed.

The Eight External Dimensions of Communication

The four internal dimensions of communication (up, down, across, and through time) may seem like enough. But effective business communication involves external dimensions as well. There are eight more dimensions to consider, bringing the total number to twelve. That’s what I mean by communicating in 12-D. Fortunately you can leverage the same “message box” to communicate with many or all of these external groups.

Even though there are eight external dimensions, you don’t need a different strategy for each group. You need a unified message that resonates with all – or most – of them.

Second, you need to leverage different forms of media in order to reach these groups. (That’s another reason for a single, unified message: you can’t control which group hears your message through which medium.)

Finally, many people in your organization need to be trusted and empowered to communicate with these external groups. Given the rise of so many different forms of communication, a tight command and control strategy won’t work anymore.

Here are the eight external dimensions of effective business communication:

Tips for Effective Business Communication

Take the Straight Talk® communication survey to discover your communication style.

Pass the Straight Talk® communication book around at work to improve the quality of communication.

Order a Straight Talk® communication workshop for your organization. Workshops can be crafted to focus on communication styles, managing decisions, or resolving conflicts.

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