Employers commonly seek candidates with practice-based hard and soft skills. Soft skills help people build connections, solve problems, mediate conflict and communicate effectively. Some of the most important soft skills employers consistently look for are critical thinking, creativity, leadership, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, collaboration and communication. Regardless of what field a potential employee specializes in, these soft skills are versatile and transferable to any position. Recruiters cited communication skills, in particular, in the 2022 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey as the top reason for confidence in business school grads.
Communication skills are essential in any profession, and knowing how to communicate with coworkers, managers and clients is crucial to success. An online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication Studies program from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) can prepare you to thrive in a competitive job market and communicate clearly. This program can help students learn to develop and deliver messages in various formats to diverse audiences.
Communication Is at the Core of Any Business
Communication is central to daily life. The exchange of verbal information and careful listening is just the beginning. Written communication, body language, facial expressions and tone of voice impact the message we portray to others. Communication is at the core of any organization and affects how a business operates. Poor communication can create misunderstandings, unmet expectations and frustration. Here are a few examples of successful business interactions:
- Peer-to-peer communication. Productive peer-to-peer communication affects a work environment in many ways, including morale, engagement, collaboration, satisfaction and productivity. Coworkers who can communicate clearly with one another can help establish respectful relationships by fostering understanding and welcoming diverse viewpoints. Close peer relationships and shared camaraderie encourage employees to go above and beyond. Managers or team leaders can successfully model a commitment to facilitating strong employee relationships by being open-minded, receptive, honest and direct. When coworkers feel welcome and included in an environment that promotes open communication, the business can be more successful.
- Management communication. Managers who don’t communicate effectively may find it hard to lead. Without feedback and clear instruction, employees lack motivation and engagement and struggle to collaborate with their peers. Leadership communication directly affects employee engagement, productivity, retention, innovation and problem-solving. When employees have clear and concise communication from managers, they spend less time looking for content they need to do their job.
- Client/public communication. Effective communication helps businesses build trust with clients and potential customers. Client communication includes emails, phone calls, invoices and body language. Actively listening to a client’s needs can help professionals provide them with what they need and anticipate any changes. Communication with the public and clients establishes trust, maintains successful bonds and encourages loyalty. Businesses that are transparent, compassionate, self-aware and flexible can maintain customer respect and satisfaction and quickly remedy any errors or misunderstandings.
Become a Skilled Communicator in NKU’s Online Communication Studies Program
If you want to learn vital communication skills, an online B.A. in Communication Studies program may suit you. Combining practical, real-world experiences with theoretical knowledge, this online program can help hone your ability to navigate a world where organizations and individuals must work together, even if culturally and geographically different. In addition to communication skills, students gain knowledge of social media platforms, content management, intercultural perspectives and technical writing and editing skills.
Learn more about NKU’s online B.A. in Communication Studies program.
