In the day to day of an organization, the use of effective communication is necessary to be able to transmit the various messages that arise and of which all departments that make up the company must know to function fully.
This is why in the following article our Regional Coordinator of Communication and Public Relations, Verónica Moreira, as well as Hugo Carmona and Paola Urrutia who are in charge of the Community Management functions in Grupo STT, address the 7C´s of the Communication from a business effectiveness perspective.
Effective Communication
The effective communication is a type of communication in which the message is transmitted in an understandable way and very clear to the recipient, without causing doubts, confusions or possible misinterpretations.
For communication to be effective one must seek understanding of each other through the elaboration of a clear, precise and brief message. The following factors should be kept in mind:
- Easy to understand
- Objectively expresses what is meant
- Express only what is intended
In theory the 7C´s of communication are key so that the messages we want to communicate are properly understood, below we develop each of them.
First C: CLEAR
So that communication at the organizational level is clear, you must know the collaborators; know how to get the message to them. It should be spoken in the language of the organization and consider that you should not give many messages in a single statement; but a single message must be communicated every time there is communication with the collaborators.
Second C: CONCISE
Information should not be decorated: Today more than ever, it is necessary to go to the point, synthesize, because there is very little time and too many things to do; thus, you have to define what is relevant to communicate.
A message is also concise when all the necessary information is expressed with as few words as possible. A large amount of not synthesized information could lead to misrepresentations or the message being ignored.
Third C: Specific
Communication must be concrete, that means, try that the messages are not very long; containing the precise amount of text. With the above, it is emphasized that as communicators the message has to be sent with the right information so that it is understood, but without extending it in such a way, that rather it falls into possible confusion or loss of what you want to communicate.
Fourth C: CORRECT
The message must reflect reality or express what you want to achieve with it. It must also include the information so that afterwards the people of the organization don’t have doubts, questions or feel lost.
A couple of metrics that help to establish what is correct information is the action and opinion of a person; where knowledge of it is reflected, which shows that the message was received as stipulated from the beginning.
Fifth C: CONSISTENT
Consistency means that the logic and consistent attitude go hand in hand with the principles that are professed. This means, information is coherent when it communicates messages that make sense. The company in order to be consistent in communication shall:
- Define the message well.
- Know and study the recipient.
- Use the communication channels that are perfectly adapted to the recipient.
- Ensure consistency at all points of the process with the recipient.
- Communicate honestly.
- Do not forget online and offline consistency to take care of the corporate image in all possible contexts.
Sixth C: COMPLETE
If the message is complete, the recipient can make better decisions. It´s about providing details, facts and figures so that the interlocutor knows exactly how to act to avoid misrepresentation.
Also the information should allow people to be guided in the actions that are required to carry out their tasks in the best way. The collaborators should know when the message is not clear and know who to direct the message to, or suitable means to clear doubts.
Seventh C: Kind
The result of the communication should contribute to strengthen interpersonal relationships. That is why it is important that sender and recipient respect each other; that they maintain standards of courtesy.
It is no secret that being tactful, respectful, sincere and grateful is essential to initiate and reinforce any type of relationship; even in difficult times you should not stop being kind, since you always have to be in constant respect in communication and treatment in the organization in general.
Grupo STT can train your company on this subject
Grupo STT is a company with almost 22 years of experience in the Latin-American market. During all this journey, we have worked for many clients and suppliers with which we have established very profitable relationships at work level which has allowed us to provide quality service.
Consult us on how we can help you in communication and personnel management of your company.
Hugo Carmona Espinoza
Regional Community Manager