*Definition:
• Main Entry: com•mu•ni•ca•tion
• Pronunciation: \k?-?myü-n?-’ka-sh?n\
• Function: noun
• Date: 14th century
1 : an act or instance of transmitting
2 a : information communicated b : a verbal or written message
3 a : a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior <the function of pheromones in insect communication>; also : exchange of information b : personal rapport <a lack of communication between old and young persons>
4 plural a : a system (as of telephones) for communicating b : a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles c : personnel engaged in communicating
5 plural but sing or plural in constr a : a technique for expressing ideas effectively (as in speech) b : the technology of the transmission of information (as by print or telecommunication)
*Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication

Communication… a vital part of human existence, yet an area in which we all fall short at times.  A noun by function, dating back to the 14th Century, communication has been a key role in every aspect of life, sometimes in ways we don’t even realize.

When I started in the recruitment/research industry fifteen years ago, communicating with my clients meant a

telephone call or, mailing them a letter or a

post card (29 cents back then!).  We used

hard copy directories to create target lists, and as a reference for research. I typed my research results on a

typewriter and once again relied on the US Postal Service to deliver my communication. I had four, 4-drawer filing cabinets filled with all of my research, sorted alphabetically. Then, my dreams came true- a

 FAX MACHINE!!  What a marvelous invention!  Real-time communication to clients became a reality. At that point, I thought I had it all: a cordless phone, a fax machine, filing cabinets and a typewriter.

What more could a researcher /sourcer/name generator/recruiter need?  A computer!!!  Yippee!!!  Now to learn how to use this computer #%#%#

 ..learned how to use the computer.  Then the

MODEM!!  The first software I used for modem purposes was PC Anywhere — PC Anywhere some of you ask?  YES!  That was the key to transmitting data over the phone line, however, the person receiving had to have it too!  From that point forward, technology has improved leaps and bounds to take us to

  iPhones,

 laptops,

memory sticks,

search engines,

online fax capability and MORE!   

Technology 2009 is nothing like it was fifteen years ago, options for communication are now at our fingertips…. Yet, why do we fail sometimes?  

The need to communicate well is an integral part of our everyday lives, both personally and professionally.  Who is picking up little Mattie at soccer? What time do I meet JoAnne to drop off the hockey sticks?  When are my departmental budgets due?  Even so, it is fascinating to me how challenging it appears to be at times – how we fail so miserably at it even as technology has made it so easy to accomplish. 

The failure to communicate well can be blamed on our fast paced lives – the woes of multitasking or just plain forgetfulness.  There are an unlimited supply of places we can lay blame for our lack of doing it well.   But – proven over and over again – the lack of communication leads to failure.   Just as important as it is to communicate in a marriage, it is equally important to communicate with your clients and they with you.   Keeping abreast of important dates, providing timely feedback, and ensuring the “team” is on the same page, will lead to success.  Just like picking up little Mattie on time. 

In all industries who doesn’t want success?  In ours, we want solid research names generated to assist the recruiter in identifying/recruiting superior candidates, and we want real-time communication from our own team and our clients to ensure we are on track.  Ultimately, in business as in life, communicating well should be a priority.  Pick up those iPhones, utilize those software calendars, keep those appointments, and deliver that feedback.  Oh, and PLEASE don’t forget the hockey sticks……

Communication is the key to success!!!

Alissa Hawkins
Click here to read about Alissa.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 5:05 am and is filed under Clients, Research. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.