The Art and Science of Communication for Career Benefits

Allison Chandler

by Allison Chandler, contributor to Communication Intelligence
Sept. 5, 2023

Regardless of which career you pursue, being an effective communicator is the cornerstone for establishing and advancing your professional journey.

A previous look at essential communication skills for careers has identified active listening, empathy, and non-verbal cues as crucial to almost every professional aspect, from decision-making to workplace dynamics.

But beyond simply looking at each specific skill, it is also helpful to frame communication as an art that creates meaning and connection and as a science that requires knowledge of the appropriate processes, tools and techniques for effective communication.

Rather than being at opposite ends of the spectrum, communication must be balanced as art and a science for more intentional and dynamic interactions.

Here are the key ways you can apply this two-fold concept of communication to your professional duties and overall workflow:

Utilize various communication channels

While communication is fundamental to all people-oriented careers, it’s especially crucial in the field of healthcare to help enhance the quality of care and patient outcomes.

Effective clinical communication with other clinicians and with their patients both deserve updated information on diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

In this case, the art and science of communication apply to the utilization of various communication channels for each type of care setting — from a comprehensive clinical communication platform that coordinates health information care teams to digitized spreadsheets that consolidate schedules and reduce burnout among nurses and physicians.

If there are numerous tools that you can use to communicate with clients and coworkers, these are only as effective when used in the appropriate setting, with the communication values of greater efficiency, faster decision-making, and increased collaboration at their core.

Improve teamwork

Knowing how to communicate and work as a team contributes to a productive work environment that delivers consistent, higher-quality results.

From planning to implementation, project managers must be knowledgeable on the proper flow of information among multiple units assigned to the same project while also serving as a point of contact between the team and the board.

Teamwork is only achieved by being a technical communicator who knows how to put plans into writing and produce reports for executives and relevant stakeholders.

Equally important though is the ability to instill the art of communication in every step of the project, including navigating each team member’s strengths and weaknesses and resolving conflicts that may invariably arise so as to tackle the project with increased synergy and camaraderie.

Build and expand your network

Getting ahead is not just about having skills and competencies but also knowing the right people. Professionals are expected to network to land meaningful opportunities and advance their brands and their careers.

Much like the previously-listed tips, being successful in this regard requires a balance of technical and tacit communication skills.

On one hand, networking demands you to figure out which platforms work best for you and the professional contacts you intend to make. These range from online career networks like LinkedIn to networking events and conferences.

On the other hand, it’s also important to note that networking isn’t a one-and-done deal. Through dynamic skills like trust and authenticity, you can move away from merely transactional interactions to more sustainable, give-and-take relationships with colleagues, business partners, and potential employers.

The Final Word

The art and science of communication ultimately tell you that the language of leadership and competence is a constant balancing act. You must be able to highlight your technical skills and capabilities without overshadowing your inherent capacity to express yourself, socialize, and engage with others.

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Writer’s Sources:

https://ci-magazine.com/home/specific-communication-skills-for-success-in-your-career

https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/five-recommendations-improving-clinical-communication

https://www.lhh.com/us/en/insights/job-descriptions/project-manager/

https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4363-tips-build-professional-network.html