The five communications blunders you need to avoid in your company

To steer clear of disaster, here are five of the worst communication blunders companies make, and how to avoid them like a pro.

Epically long emails

Yes, email reigns supreme. But sending a 1,000-word epic when a WhatsApp message would do is a classic mistake. 

Overloading your colleagues with overly detailed emails not only buries your key message, it also strips away nuance. You can’t read tone, you can’t see body language, and you’ll never catch that confused look that says, “I have no idea what you’re talking about”.

Pro tip: Keep it short, save the sensitive stuff for face-to-face (or at least face-to-screen), and if in doubt, don’t email, talk.

Listening with one ear 

You know the type – they’re nodding enthusiastically while mentally preparing their next point. It's not just irritating, it’s counter-productive. Poor listening leads to poor understanding, which leads to poor decisions.

Active listening isn’t rocket science, but it does require effort. Make eye contact, ask questions, and reflect back what you’ve heard. 

One size doesn’t fit all

We all know that person who insists on sharing a spreadsheet when a five-point summary would do. Or worse, who calls a two-hour meeting when a Slack message would’ve solved the issue in seconds.

People process information differently. Some are visual, others verbal. Some want detail, others just want the gist. Communicating the same way with everyone is like serving curry at a kids’ party – brave, but probably not wise.

Tailor your style. Know your audience. Deliver the message in the format that works for them, not just for you.

Vagueness about impact

“We’ve got a situation,” you say. Cue panic, confusion, and a rapid drop in caffeine supplies. Delivering bad news without a plan is like shouting “fire” in a crowded theatre, unhelpful and potentially catastrophic.

Great communicators don’t just flag problems, they provide options. Lay out the impacts. Frame the trade-offs. Be the calm in the storm. Clarity creates confidence, and confidence creates action.

Failing to confirm understanding

You’ve explained the task. You saw your colleagues nod. Job done. Except it isn’t. Days later, the wrong thing is delivered, the client’s confused, and you’re wondering where it all went wrong.

It went wrong when you assumed understanding instead of confirming it. Asking, “How does that sound?” doesn’t cut it. Instead try, “Could you walk me through how you understood that?” It’s a quick check that saves time, money, and your sanity.

In a nutshell

The biggest communications blunders aren’t just minor missteps, they’re slow leaks in your company’s credibility. But here’s the good news: they’re all fixable.

Dial back the long emails. Listen like you mean it. Tailor your style. Be clear about consequences. And confirm understanding, always. 

At the end of the day, good communication isn’t just a skill, it’s the expensive oil that makes the company engine run smoothly.

Where are the weak spots in your communication strategy? 

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Raf Uzar helps companies unlock the power of clear communication to boost performance, shape strategy, and transform workplace culture. Partnering with senior leaders, he bridges the gap between vision and execution, ensuring messages resonate, teams align, and strategies hit the mark.