2020 Vision: Start the Year with Strong Communication

Whether you're making resolutions for the coming year, planning the first quarter, or just looking for ways to edge out the competition for that sale or promotion... communication is a solid place to start. Strong communication is essential in every relationship (business and personal), and is a skill set you can work on in any environment. 

Here are five reasons to start the year by improving your communication skills:

1. Good communication skills are infinitely transferable. Being a better listener at home will also help you at the office, and vice versa. Practicing verbal and nonverbal communication will benefit you in your current position and any other job or organization in the future. It's an investment that pays off across the board, even if you change careers entirely.
2. Impressions matter. Whether it's a job interview, sales pitch, or that awkward meeting in which you ask your boss for a raise, communicating your value to others is essential to career growth. 
3. Build support for your ideas. Good communication lets you convey your ideas clearly and to make better connections with your audience. When you've gained respect of your colleagues, peers, supervisors and direct reports--and you utilize empathy to understand how the topic at hand impacts them--they are more likely to accept and support your agenda.
4. Help create a lower-stress workplace. When people communicate clearly and respectfully, including during conflict, there are fewer unresolved issues and negative emotions festering in the workplace. This leads to solution-oriented teams and lowers stress levels at work, which improves both mental and physical well-being.
5. Get more of what you want. It's wonderfully simple. You can't get what you want and need if you don't effectively communicate those needs to others. Assertive communication means letting others know what you want and need, and (when possible) finding collaborative or mutually beneficial ways to make that happen. 

Whatever your goals for the year, make a commitment to prioritize your communication skills and enjoy reaping the benefits at home and at work.