Communication – it’s just talking, right?

The obvious and not-so-obvious ways to Communicate

Excellent communication is vital in both personal and business life. Without it, issues would have arisen that could have been easily solved or may not have existed in the first place.

A corporate culture where open and honest communication abounds can stay ahead of the opposition through innovation and problem-solving, where no idea is too silly, and the team feels comfortable expressing opinions.

This brought me back to my football career and how I communicated differently. It certainly wasn’t just talking!

1: Verbal communication:

Calling out to teammates during a match
Discussing tactics with coaches and teammates
Giving interviews to media

2: Non-verbal communication:

Hand signals and gestures on the pitch
Body language to express emotions or intentions
Facial expressions to convey feelings or reactions
The weight/speed of passing the ball communicates to the receiving player
By example, all of your actions

3: Visual communication:

Using tactical boards to explain gameplay
Watching and analysing match footage
Learning from demonstrations of techniques

4: Written communication:

Corresponding with club officials or agents via email

5: Physical communication:

Physical contact during play (e.g., tapping a teammate to signal a run or a firm opposition tackle!)
Celebratory gestures after scoring (e.g., who doesn’t love a good goal hug! high-fives)

6: Media communication:

Press conferences
Television or radio interviews
Participating in promotional videos or advertisements

Since retiring in 2001, the digital world has increased significantly. So, add team communication apps for schedules and updates, video calls for remote team meetings or analysis sessions, instant messaging with teammates or coaching staff and communicating with fans through social media posts.

So, it’s a lot more than just talking! In your business, think of all the ways you communicate, whether intended or not. To be an effective communicator, be aware of all your forms of communication.

#Communication #Teamwork #Leadership