Creating a culture of communication, in a remodeling company is rewarding.
In this industry, much of the focus is on quality, craftsmanship, and budget. While these are always important, I think there is something even more important and that is outstanding communication. Good communication leads to good relationships. It is critical that everyone in the organization has good communication skills.
Sometimes companies lose sight of this. For example, someone doing a standard kitchen remodel will be exposed to over 300 decisions or choices that have to be made during the course of the remodel. In order to manage that many details and choices, a remodeling company needs to have a culture of communication. Communication with each other and communication with the clients.
Not focusing on the right issues can sometimes be a big mistake. Once upon a time, the railroads were huge companies in the United States. It has been hypothesized by historians that the railroad companies went into huge decline – not because of gas powered engines – but because the railroads were focused on the wrong things.They focused on running freight cars on tracks across the country, instead of focusing on what they were really doing, which was moving freight and people from point A to point B. Had they focused on freight and people instead of the process they could have shifted with the times.
How does a company learn how to create a culture of communication? By teaching their people to have top notch communication skills.
How do you improve communication skills?
- Listen first and listen without the intent to respond.
- Make sure your communication is concise and clear.
- Summarize what others are saying to you – make sure you understand what they are saying.
- Have others summarize what you are saying – make sure they understand.