On the Job: Communicate

Your job does not exist in a vacuum. The reason you are a part of an organization is to help it move forward. You job exists for a reason, and it is not to be a standalone island of awesomeness. (Although that would be pretty nifty.) To do you job well, you must communicate with others. I don't think I can emphasize enough how important it is to be able to communicate well.

Most job descriptions contain the throw away line "Ability to communicate well orally and in writing." We tend to skip over this line because we see it so darn often. It is, however, still an incredibly valuable skill that we should never underestimate. If you can communicate well, you are an asset to your organization. When you share with your colleagues, you inform them. When you speak with your supervisors, your position with the organization is reinforced. When you train your employees, you make them integral parts of the department. All of these relationships require strong communication skills to flourish.

If you cannot express yourself well in writing, your risk being misunderstood. If you cannot share through personal presentations, your risk alienating or confusing your colleagues. If you refuse to share with others, you are not a team player.

No person is a perfect communicator. This is the kind of skill that gets better with age and experience. Practice makes perfect. If you are a nervous presenter, take a public speaking seminar. If your know your writing is less than stellar, read about office communications or take a writing course. Being able to communicate well in writing and verbally is one of the most important skills you can develop.

Developing communication skills is always a worthwhile venture. No matter where your career takes you, communication skills will help you achieve your goals. This is one skill set that will always serve you and your organization well.