In Kris Cole's "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Clear Communication", we're told that seventy percent of mistakes in the workplace are the direct result of poor communication. The impact can be immense, causing misunderstandings, loss of goodwill, loss of enthusiasm, low morale and reduced productivity.
This definitive book on the subject outlines in clear and simple language what causes bad communication, and the steps you can take to fix it. If you've ever wondered where your own communication skills fall short, maybe you're committing a few too many of Kris's "10 Deadly Sins Of Communication" (and let me tell you, being patronising, commanding or threatening won't get you far these days). If you're confronted daily with the recalcitrant office grump, check out the chapter on how to deal with difficult people. There are ways to win even the toughest battle of wills, and Kris tells us how.
Kris highlights the difference between good communicators and bad communicators, the importance of body language, voice and energy, and the value of reflective listening, to build rapport and achieve positive empathy with those around you. You'll learn the secrets of peak performers, and how to recognise personality types and temperaments so you can bring out the best in those working with or for you.
Importantly also for anyone in business these days, the book looks at clear and persuasive writing skills, including communication via fax and email.
This practical 'how-to' book is a must for employers who'd like to assert a positive influence in the workplace and gain greater commitment and cooperation from those around them. I read the book in only a few hours, and gained enough practical commonsense ideas for some cool evaluation of my own communication skills. I'm now looking forward to some warmer relationships and more to the point professionally, improved productivity around me.