Successful business people always like to tell their inspiring ‘How do I start from scratch?’ stories and their tough lives when they deliver speeches. The audience is often amazed by the ways where a small amount of money can be transferred into a large sum of money skillfully. Few people may wonder what the inherent reason for their success while the majority may be still immersing in the enormous figure of their salary. The press often says that these people are successful because they are people with business sense or ‘they are born to know how to run a business’. For me, however, this is obviously not convincing enough. I think the real reason for their success is that they know how to communicate with people around effectively and thus enlarge their social network easily.
Communication skills are very crucial nowadays. We are not living alone but on relationships. One cannot successfully survive in the society if he or she cannot convey ideas to the other people expectedly. I have heard one story of a brilliant CEO who won a BMW for his excellent performances when he was a department manager. In fact, this happened 30 years ago, when many people never dreamed of having a car, let alone a BMW! Yet, he sold his prize immediately and bought everyone a small car instead. He clearly expressed his ideas without saying that ‘Thank you for the hard work and hope we can work together in the future’. His story impressed me so much that I realize that communication skills are not all about talking but displaying your thought in a beautiful way.
I may not be an expert on business, but I do agree that great businessmen these days do get their achievements through effective communication skills. These men or women know how to interact, work with and exchange information without any misunderstandings, allowing them to do business with others without starting any conflicts.
ReplyDeleteFor the case of the CEO who sold his BMW, I do also feel that the CEO is an impressive person. He can express his message to his colleagues in just one action, displaying his thoughts beautifully without others misintepreting his ideas. Nowadays, it is so hard to find such generous individuals.
Interesting story about the CEO!
ReplyDeleteI think it shows us all that you're communicating effectively when you do little to convey your message and others actually get what you mean.
Imagine if the CEO had instead given a long speech to appreciate the employees' support, he would have gotten a "Why the hell is this man boring us to death?" in return. HAHA.
Hi Cosine!
ReplyDeleteI think that what you had posted is really true. Successful people are always great communicators that are able to influence people through their ideas and ways.
I assume that you want to improve your communciation skills because you want to be successful and influential?
See you around!
Hi Cosine,
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! We can convey a message to people not only using words, but also taking some pragmatic action. More than often the latter would be more impressive to the message receivers.
I cannot agree more. Interpersonal relationship is significant for our future career establishment. I have heard a saying about Harvard that the most valuable thing that you can get from Harvard is not the knowledge you gain but the relationships you build there.
ReplyDeleteHi Cosine!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your idea in this entry. I have always wondered why those CEOs can sell books and seminars so well, earning tonnes of money in the process (when they are already so rich). haha...
hi cosine,
ReplyDeletefrom your story i understand that action is the silent communication, which is also very important.Sometimes, easier said than done.
Dear Cosine,
ReplyDeleteI really like the way you open this post with reference to the inspiring "rags to riches" stories of some CEOs. That sets the stage well for your discussion of the importance of effective comm skills. Of course, comm skills may be a necessary condition for such success, but perhaps not sufficient. There are all sorts of characteristics that could prove imperative for the super successful, including ambition. But your point is well taken.
You also mention in your second paragraph the poignant story of the CEO winning the BMW as an example of how right action speaks louder than words. That's interesting. I have a few questions though:
Where did that take place? Also, you state that he "bought everyone" a small car. Who did he buy the small cars for? Fellow employees? Generous indeed!
I have one minor criticism: This post would be more complete if you concluded by tying the anecdotes to your own aspirations and comm skill needs.
In any case, thank you for the fine effort!
Hi guys and Brad,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for commenting on my post! I feel quite happy seeing so many response.^_^
Actually I would like to write more but because of the word limit, I have to stop by the 2 paragraphs. After I finish it, I kinda realize that my post is not that close to the topic(what is comm skills for you) but I still felt like posting so I did. Now I want to add more of my opinions on communication skills.
For me, effective communication can help me improve myself. I think if other people understand me well and give me some feedback. I can be aware of my weakness and my strength so that I can find unique ways to present myself to my audience. For example, I went for the interview of Radio Pulze in NUS and they wanted me to hold a micro to do a self-introduction. Apparently I was very nervous and I couldn't wait to say that "I haven't held a micro before " even before I started "Hi, my name is ...". I immedicately realized that I exposed my weakness to my audience and I'm thinking that if I didn't mention that point, they may never ask me about my experience during the whole interview. Then the later part was merely a mess and as a result I'm not in. But I am thinking that if I talked more about the activities I have organized which they will be interested in, which may create my image much closer to that of a "Radio Pulze girl",who is full of enthusiasm, I may have a better chance to let them know more about me. Anyway, this is my case of ineffective communication, yet it can help me improve my skills to cope with interviews.
For Brad, the man actually bought every four guys in his department a car and I'm sorry I didn't make it clear.