Assignment One: Effective Communications
Courtne Rose-Coleman
Strayer University
BUS100
Dr. Scott Holtzclaw, Ph.D.
August 5, 2015

Abstract

In this paper, I will be providing a few reasons why I believe communication in the workplace is very effective. Managers, employees, and the community opinion are a major component in creating and maintaining a successful business. If all three work together to enforce ideas, there really is no reason why any business should fail. I will be using a bar environment as my prime example, being as though this is where most of my experience in business startup is from.

Effective Communication I am going to give some examples of just how effective communication can be when we all work together. Instead of giving reasons, I will provide three key components into a successful business as well as work environment and show that when working together you can take something small and turn it into something magnificent. When management listens to the employees, who work closely with the community, there is so much potential.

Personal Experience with Effective Communication I have my own personal experience because I helped to open two sports bars. It was very hard work, however communication was the most important in the whole process. Starting with the “would be” customers. We sent out a street team of promoters that not only made everyone aware of the opening, but got the opinions of the people who would soon frequent the establishment. Employees were next. We made sure that they were experienced enough to provide prompt service and even create drinks for holidays and other special events. Then last, was management. There really wasn’t much experience from them in the bar industry. Therefore he needed to be open to listening to his employees and the community and trust that in keeping an open mind or expressing his concerns, we could reach a conclusions that was suitable for all parties involved. Three Reasons this Communication was Effective * First reason: The community played a huge part in communication. We had a “street team” so to speak. This team of people went out and asked the people of the community what they wanted to see this place become. They found out what people wanted in terms of a liquor consensus, food options, and any special events we may have. For example, they requested a ladies night and karaoke, specials for sporting events; professional and college, and what type of specific alcohols they wanted to see.

* Second reason: The employees then took all those responses combines with their own experiences, to come up with the menu. What a menu is was! They were able to present management with a mock menu with everything from seafood to chicken tenders and sandwiches etc. They created drink specials for all events and holidays, helped locate DJs, and even suggested that packaged goods be sold till closing since all other liquor stores closed at 10pm, whereas, we were open until 2 or 3 am. They were actually right on the money with that suggestion because there were days that we did more in sales on packaged goods then we did on actual bar sales. As a matter of fact, we started with packaged goods during a soft opening. Bar was limited in terms of food a beverage, but our coolers were fully stocked.

* Third reason: Management was very concerned in the beginning. After all there were millions of dollars invested in this place. We sat with the employees and came up with a game plan. There were risks that needed to be taken but the employees stated over and over again “It’s worth a try”, “You won’t know unless we try”, and “It’s all about trial and error”. We took everything that the community and employees had to say and decided that they were more than likely right and that more than likely, the benefits would out way the risks. After we opened, management pointed out what things needed to be fixed or stopped. In a few months’ time, we were doing great.
Conclusion
Communication is most effective when there are people who are willing to listen. The need to be open minded is extremely important. With everyone working together the bar became a complete success. Yes, we lost a few people in terms of employees and customers, but we gained recognition from other counties in the South Jersey area, even Pennsylvania. In listening to what everybody had to say, there was actually a need to expand and build the place bigger. It is very important to keep everybody happy, to make them feel like they are being heard, and to know that everyone’s opinions matter.