5 Communication Habits of Truly Amazing Communicators

^{[Updated September 2019]}

The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.

– George Bernard Shaw
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Communication is such a complex concept, it holds as much opportunity for failure as it does for success. With these 5 habits, anyone can become an amazing communicator.

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Theorists note that whenever we communicate there are really at least six “people” involved:.
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1. Who you think you are

2. Who you think the other person is

3. Who you think the other person thinks you are

4. Who the other person thinks s/he is

5. Who the other person thinks you are; and

6. Who the other person thinks you think s/he is.

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Confused? Ha ha, me too. I had to map that one out. Which helps make the point. Communication is hard!

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Yet it’s one of the most important skills you can bring to the workplace (and to life in general).

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Harvard Business Review subscribers rated the ability to communicate “the most important fact in making an executive promotable.”

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They ranked it more important than ambition, education, and hard work.

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And if you’re just out of school, take heart. The ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization is a top skill required by employers for college grads.

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When you think about it, communication is such a complex concept, it holds as much opportunity for failure as it does for success.

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So in this week’s The Muse column, I carve out 5 interpersonal communication habits that you need to become a top performer.

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Read “5 Communication Habits of Truly Amazing Communicators” on The Muse here.

 

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If you have issues in these areas, these suggestions will help. Try something new this week and see what kind of reaction you get, and how your perception of a situation shifts.

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When you take responsibility for communicating effectively, you’re building a solid Career Strategy.

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