(Note: This is a re-edited version of an article Mayr posted on LinkedIn).
In a business arena the key to effective communication is in recognizing your target audience. Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina stated that leadership requires a great degree of self-awareness. That kind of awareness plays a big role in our responsiveness within the corporate arena and how we transmit messages to others. For instance, the protocol required in addressing an organizational staff member of elite status requires a conscious effort to engage in a more formal respectful manner, while an informal casual exchange is expected among peers and subordinates.
When I was employed at Capitol-EMI Records I learned quickly that I needed to establish a level of professionalism in dealing with individuals of elite status, which in the music industry includes people like Bob Seger, David Bowie, and Harry Belafonte. Not only were they considered dignitaries, to many of us who grew up listening to their music, they were also our music heroes. Learning how to interact with top performers in any industry requires a certain level of knowledge in communication skills. I mean after all, who wants to appear like a fool, stumbling over words in an effort to construct a coherent sentence? What would you say to music legend Neil Diamond if you ran into him at a coffee shop the day after he performed in concert? What is the appropriate protocol in communication when you are walking to your car at the Warner Brothers Studio parking lot and the tall man that is walking towards you is Clint Eastwood?
Experience in communication skills can play a big role in how we respond in situations like these. Because let’s face it, many of us become overwhelmed with heightened emotions when we are confronted suddenly and asked to interact professionally with people who are in a dignitary position. Learning how to communicate within an organization is just as important as developing skills to communicate outside of an organization because it is a reflection on you and the organization you represent.
For more information on developing and building communication skills check out our eBook Breaching Communication Barriers (also available in audiobook) or to purchase any of our other accelerated learning Business Life titles, please visit our website at:
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The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said. – Peter Drucker
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