Lions roar to inform others that they own the territories; Whales use ultra-sound to signal each other during migrations; Male toads use their voice to show superiority and attract mates.
In today's integrated society where most jobs emphasize on teamwork rather than individual brilliance, it is ever more important for us to be able to communicate effectively. As university students, we would be graduating and entering the work force soon. Unlike the transition from primary school to secondary school, secondary school to junior college or junior college to university, looking for a job or a graduate school is a different matter. Instead of just looking at the academic excellence and leadership experiences which are all reported by the schools, it is now up to the individuals to know how to package themselves to the potential employers.
There are many occasions whereby good communication skills can help give an edge over the rest. First of all, we must know how to write a good resume. It is the first thing that an employer would see and have the first impression. A well written and astute resume would definitely give us an edge and land us in more opportunities. Secondly, we must also be able to communicate well verbally as most jobs would require an interview. As such, the right tone of voice and the right words to use in such situation could decide one's career.
While good communication skills can land a good job, it does not just stop here. In fact, communication is integral to our daily routines, regardless of the position we hold in the company. In different positions, slightly different communication skills are required. As an employee, written skills used in writing reports, PowerPoint and writing emails would be practiced every day. The wrong tone used in an email to a boss can result in a delayed promotion or a possible demotion; the wrong choice of words used in a phone call with fellow colleagues may result in a failed business deal. As an employer or manager, it becomes more important to be able to communicate effectively as each instruction or presentation would result in a greater effect.
3 comments:
Hi Yan Bin, I totally agree with you about the role that communication plays in the workplace. Good academic results may get you to the interview or open doors for you, but to walk through those doors successfully and build a career, effective communication is needed every step of the way.
I have seen brilliant people who unfortunately have an "attitude problem" fail miserably simply because they cannot get along well with others.
I don't doubt that having a good resume and being a good communicator can give you an edge over the rest in the workforce. I know of a few friends who aren't comfortable with public speaking and presenting themselves to others and lost out in finding jobs.
We are not the only ones realising that effective communication is important. The world has endless presentation, communication and self upgrading courses and workshops for both employers and employees alike. My dad once commented to me how there's a lot of people who can 'talk' very well but lack the 'substance' that is needed to get the job done.
So while we acknowledge the great value of speaking and writing well, let's not swing to the other extreme to think that this is "The Winning Formula" but to also be proficient in the areas we are studying. A nice book cover without a good content doesn't really sell either.
Hi Yanbin, you said "Communication has always been an essential part of the animal world." Yet you also said, humans are superior because we "possess the tools to communicate with each other"? I think what you mean is that we have the ability to speak (the tool you are referring to?)while the animals don't.
I can see you are a very practical person because the focus of your blog is on the importance of effective communication in the work place!
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