Communication at the company: key to success

For a large number of people, communication is just the pronouncing of words, but did you know that words account for only 8% of successful communication?

When it comes to communication, we still have the necessary steps to take in the agricultural sector. In at least 90% of the (conflict) situations that I am confronted with as a coach and mediator, poor communication is the cause. I see almost daily the emotional, relational and financial consequences of poor communication on farms. It's an underestimated problem.

Communication important
Communication is important. You use it in relationships, in collaborations and/or in a company takeover. If communication is poor, or if it disappears completely, misunderstanding and mistrust arise and quarrels and conflicts can become central in life.

Whether it concerns success in relationships or while working together: good communication is the basis. However, apparently this remains a difficult activity. Especially when one considers that in agricultural companies business and private life overlap. It is a fact that the mutual communication is good at most successful agricultural companies. 

Good communication is therefore an important key to success. Success in a financial sense, but also success in a relational sense (the mutual atmosphere and relationships).

Why don't we do it anymore?
If communication is such an important part, why don't we use it more? The answer to that question is not easy to find. Communication goes far beyond the use of words. Communication also has to do with character, intonation (the way you say something), posture, habits and especially listening skills.

Perhaps it is good to take a closer look at your way of communicating. To do this, you must dare to be honest with yourself, but also with others. Being aware of your way of communicating (how do I come across to the other person?) is an important step towards improving communication.

It would do the sector good if we paid more attention to the quality of communication on agricultural companies. In my opinion, that yields more profit than optimization or expansion of the company.

fat cattle child

Dik Veefkind is an agricultural coach and mediator at AgroCoach. In his blogs he focuses on the psychological challenges of the farmer, such as burnouts and business conflicts. He also supports people entering the grounds in difficult situations.

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