One of the key components in organisational growth that focuses on the well-being, efficient development, and improvement of the individuals within the company is effective internal operational and strategic communication.
Changes in business and technology have opened multiple communication avenues but certain negative influences have become evident as communication is not centralised and is not restricted to a certain tool/method since communication is done by means of inter-organisational entities using various services, processes, and systems.
“The only constant in life is change” as described by Heraclitus in 535 BC, with the change of technology and communication methods that are inevitable this phrase retains its relevance in the fourth industrial revolution. It is due to this fact that the improvement of organisational communication must shift focus to the individual and their grasp of communication and information within the digital age.
As individuals navigate diverse online platforms and engage in digital communication, the ability to comprehend and manage emotions becomes pivotal. Emotional intelligence facilitates effective interpersonal relationships in virtual spaces, fostering empathy, understanding, and collaboration. In a world where virtual connections often lack the nuances of face-to-face communication, emotional intelligence enables individuals to interpret and respond to digital cues accurately.
With emotional intelligence and the individual in mind the following contributing factors can be used as focus point to successfully to effectively enhance communication and the flow of unimpeded information, it will also promote innovation, collaboration, and informed decision-making.
Organisational structure
Changes in organisational structure can promote cross-functional engagements and would ensure that different business units interact and communicate more effectively.
Collaboration
By identifying diverse individual and team combinations with the aim of organisational improvement the resources can be allocated to improve team dynamics, project delivery, and facilitate inter personnel development.
Clear strategic goals
Clear mission and vision statements promote a united goal, provide the organisation with a shared sense of purpose/direction and aid in collaborative innovation.
Leadership
Leadership growth involves the development of emotional intelligence as this facilitates more productive communication. Individuals who possess EI skills show a greater understanding for team members, they can show empathy and they create a supportive and inclusive environment. Effective leadership growth should be seen as a continuous learning and developmental program and should challenge employees to improve themselves.
Culture
Organisational culture exerts significant influence on the workings of an organisation. Employee satisfaction and performance are directly related to organisational culture. The type of culture either promotes innovation and enables sound decision making or inhibits innovative thinking and the process of change management.
Continuous improvement
Training and development programs can enhance employees' communication skills ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and ability to effectively communicate within the organisation. Ongoing training can promote clarity, professionalism and understanding a situation of an individual.
By strategically redirecting organisational emphasis towards individual-centric approaches and staff development, incremental advancements can be achieved in enhancing not only the distribution of information via the correct communication channels but also overall organisational growth and enhancement.
Rian Nell
Innovation & IoT Delivery Manager
Hi, I currently fulfil the role of Delivery Manager in the Innovations and IoT business unit of the First Digital organisation. My primary focus is to successfully deliver projects to not only exceed client expectations but also create a learning culture of collaboration and trust. In 2023 I obtained a Masters degree in Programme Management and I have over 12 years of experience in various sectors of project management ranging from data analytics, e-commerce and Biometric access control. The common denominators in all projects is the well-being and alignment of goals within the team and ofcourse scope, cost and time.