Most company owners assume that communication means talking. To understand the real meaning of communication is to understand that the work of a company is accomplished through others.

The following are some communication features that can aid company managers in developing their firms into more efficient and well-managed ones.

• Communication is a transaction - one problem in communication is not hearing the information returning to the receiver. Don't forget to ask if the communication has been understood.
• Communication is a process - and is ever-changing. Giving instruction once may not be enough.
• Communication is sharing common meanings - words do not mean the same thing to all people, and technical language changes often.
• Communication can include hidden agendas - sometimes people say one thing and mean another.
• Practice good communication skills before attacking others.
• Conduct regular employee evaluations - many annual interviews are performed by managers who are poorly prepared or lack the communication skills to properly relate to the employee's job performance.