Written management communication is an essential part of business. However, having a command of English grammar and syntax doesn’t necessarily make you a better manager. In fact, being able to write well can sometimes even make you weaker as a manager. This is because good communication skills can only take you so far. You still need to be able to lead, analyze and synthesize information in order to be effective as a manager.
Why Is Good Communication Important?
Good communication is important for several reasons.
- It helps establish trust – When your employees, customers, and others have the perception that you can be trusted to communicate well, it builds a foundation for good working relationships.
- It promotes awareness – When everyone is kept abreast of the situation, issues, and others’ points of view, it creates greater awareness and understanding of the situation.
- It builds cohesion – When managers and employees work together to solve a problem, establish a new policy, or accomplish a goal, it promotes the sense of teamwork and connection.
- It allows for better debate – When you’re open to having an open discussion about issues, ideas, and opportunities, good communication allows for better debate and problem solving.
However, not all written communication is created equal. Some written communication is more effective than others.
- Summaries and simplifications can help – When you’re reading lengthy reports, contracts, and other written materials, it’s easy to lose sight of the main point. Summaries and simplifications can help ensure that the important elements are preserved and the details are not overlooked.
- They can help you organize your thoughts – When you write down your thoughts and ideas in advance, it can help you structure your arguments and demonstrate your reasoning clearly to others.
- They can help you develop a strong foundation for discussion – When you have all the relevant facts and details at your fingertips, you’re better able to engage in a constructive discussion about the topic at hand.
Managing effectively is a complex task. It requires a high degree of proficiency in multiple fields – social skills, business skills, and communication skills. Being able to write well is an important part of the package. However, it isn’t necessarily the be-all end-all. You still need to be able to take the bull by the horns, analyze the situation, and come up with solutions.