COMMUNICATION SKILLS: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO OUR CAREER?

Communication is the sending of information to another person and is effective when it is clear and concise. It is considered an extremely important skill for any professional and company. Every activity to be carried out will require effective communication. It is important to be aware that the more we grow professionally the more we must seek the development of skills to achieve our goals and succeed in our area of expertise. As one of these essential competencies to be developed, we must consider communication, including the following types:

• Verbal (Tone of voice, active listening, and speak with clarity and confidence)
• Writing (Consider objectivity and attractiveness through emails, books, websites etc.)
• Visual (Facilitate the understanding of the message through images and graphics, for example)
• Non-verbal (Attention to body language, such as gestures, eye contact and posture)

Regarding the work environment, communication is essential since your first contact with the company in the recruitment and selection process, and it can even be a differential for you to get an opportunity. By communicating effectively, you show confidence, you adapt to different people, you present your ideas clearly, you express your opinion, you can resolve conflicts, you are able to make assertive decisions, you increase your persuasive power, among other possible ones circumstances in your daily life. In addition, the skills of active listening, presentation, and effective writing are crucial for any profession, which will allow you to be successful working as a team, debating a problem, interacting with clients, providing information etc.

The way we communicate also led directly to our professional image, whether through the practice of networking, sending an e-mail, or routine conversations, in addition to conducting our performance and learning process. Therefore, I will highlight below 05 benefits of effective communication for our career:

• Skill highly valued in the workplace
• Helps in our professional development and career growth
• Contributes to interaction and creating relationships with other people
• Strengthens our professional image and self-confidence
• Essential for exercising leadership positions

Communication skills must be adapted to different types of audiences, as well as continuously developed so that we can use them effectively in our personal and professional lives. What are the ways to develop this competence?

• Analyze each aspect of our communication and seek information through courses / workshops.
• Identify strengths and needs for improvement in our communication process.
• Look for opportunities to practice, as in a public speech or presentation, for example.
• Request feedback from colleagues and co-workers.
• Observe good communicators to have them as a reference.

What have you been doing to develop your communication skills? Develop the way you communicate mainly in the work environment, strengthen the clarity and coherence of information, be assertive when speaking, practice empathy and don't forget to pay attention to your body language.

“Communication works for those who work at it.” John Powell