Why is effective communication considered a fundamental skill to have in the workplace

and in life?

REASON 1: POSITIVE PRESENTATION OF SELF

First impressions are difficult, yet mandatory. In a workplace setting, your first
impression in person with your employer would be the ever-terrifying job interview, and
in life, you make countless first impressions with random strangers daily. Therefore, it is
important to learn communication skills so that you can positively present yourself to
everyone you meet. Beginning on the right foot with someone is what often births the
best relationships, and the best results in a professional environment. Something our
teacher has taught us in this class is that, when you are waiting for a job interview, be
courteous and introduce yourself kindly to not just your interviewer, but everyone else in
whatever waiting room or foyer you might be in. This is an example of presenting
yourself positively to the world at large.

REASON 2: TEAMWORK AND LEADERSHIP

In both work and life, teamwork is essential for getting things done. In a workplace
setting, no matter what job you are in, you will have to cooperate and compromise with
others, whether that be customers or coworkers, bosses or subordinates. Being able to
communicate with others allows you to identify and make clear the strengths of yourself
and those around you, and prevents confusion when tasks are delegated. Through the
styles of leadership our teacher has presented to us, many other uses of
communication can be identified, such as hands-on teaching and making clear the
needs of others.

REASON 3: UNDERSTANDING OTHERS

Understanding those around you is key to all aspects of social and professional life, and
using communication, you can grow that understanding deeper. Whether it be the
understanding of strengths and ability, or weaknesses and struggles, really getting
someone can allow you and that person to mutually support each other further than
otherwise possible. From personal experience, I have found myself in many situations in
which I needed to provide my support and understanding to someone in a rough patch.
Through my communication skills, I was able to make them feel heard, grow a deeper
understanding of them, and provide my own input towards their situation, all while
maintaining respectfulness.

REASON 4: SAFETY
Whether we realize it or not, we live in a world filled with dangers, and we are more
fragile than we’d like to believe. Even something as simple as not warning someone of a
dangerous object on the ground could possibly lead to serious injury. Through
communication, we are able to warn others of dangers and provide solutions to
dangerous situations. For example, driving is all about communication for the sake of
safety. Rules like who has the right of way can help a lot, but in many situations, drivers
must communicate with each other to understand who is going when, lest they crash
into each other and cause an accident.

REASON 5: BUILDING AND MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS

Humans are social creatures, and as such, we take pleasure in forming long-term bonds
with others. These relationships aren’t possible without proper communication. With
coworkers, friends, lovers, and any other kind of mutual relationship, it is key for all
parties to be clear with each other. In romantic relationships especially, communicating
with each other is key to making these relationships last longer. The effect of
communication doesn’t have to be so dramatic, though - communicating with friends, for
example, can allow for fun activities to form that create memorable experiences you all
can share together.

REASON 6: ASKING FOR HELP

Lastly, communication is the main aspect required when asking for help. Admitting you
can’t do something on your own is no easy feat, but if you can’t communicate just
exactly what you’re struggling with, swallowing your pride will be all for naught. When
asking for help from someone with more knowledge than you, you have to be clear
about what you need help with for them to assist you at all. Sometimes this means
getting to the root of whatever issue you have instead of focusing on what they cause.
Voicing all of this in coherent manner takes more than just understanding of self - it also
takes clarity and an openness to discuss, like you might discuss with someone who’s
asking you for assistance.