Communicating in the Digital Age is an article by Roshong (2019) dedicated to the problem of adaptation of communication to modern technologies. The author points out the dramatic changes in work and life that the digital revolution has incurred. However, people do not yet realize how distracting the world of endless notifications and interactions is. Not only is work productivity hampered, but a person also has to spend time restoring focus and concentration. The article aims to show that the ability to work in a hustling and dynamic environment is an essential skill in the Digital Age. The intended audience is business managers and employees who are responsible for the organization of corporate communication. The author’s thesis is that it is imperative to ascertain effective communication means to help companies and employees achieve the intended results.
The article does not follow the standard study format, and it does not detail the employed research methods and chosen sample. However, the author offers practical implications, the first of which is understanding modern paradigm shifts in communication. Most importantly, user-centric communication has taken over one-way messages intended for large audiences. In practice, users decide what sort of information they receive and share and what platforms they use. Second, digitization has allowed alternative ways of data visualization to thrive. Whereas text and images comprised most of the information, now multiple multimedia options exist. Third, information flow has become continuous and transpires on a global scale, whereas previously, all information was periodic and specific to a particular region. All these tendencies signify the need for businesses to adapt and use digital capabilities to their advantage.
The second step is to prioritize means of communication that are both qualitative and fast to consume. For instance, a concise infographic is more effective than a text paragraph. The reason for it is that such data visualization conveys why the message is important and the content of the message itself. Meanwhile, reading a text paragraph takes more time and is less likely to keep the audience engaged. This does not imply that traditional means of communication are now obsolete. For example, phone calls and physical meetings can still be utilized. However, they should also be adjusted to the modern pace of communication.
The third step is to ensure that data is user-centric. Modern technology allows services to be customized to meet customers’ personal preferences. An especially important part of user-centric communication is feedback, which allows for making customer service more personalized. Meanwhile, the information itself should be dense, engaging, and easy to consume. There are numerous modern solutions that add agility and convenience to the exchange of data. Digital workspaces and data-sharing applications are tools that increase communication’s versatility. However, the more communication with customers is done, the more transparent the company that services these interactions has to be. Users have to be sure that their personal data is not compromised and that data privacy is protected.
The ultimate point of the article is that leaders cannot change the nature of modern communications, but they can adjust their leadership styles to the dynamic informational environment. Just as the abundance of digital noise can distract employees from working efficiently, proper use of means of data exchange can improve the quality of interactions with colleagues and customers. In order to properly adapt, it is essential to adopt a new communication style that is user-centric, respectful of personal preferences, and transparent at the same time. Combining these qualities with modern information technologies will produce effective and engaging communication, which will satisfy both customers and colleagues.
Reference
Roshong, M. (2019). Communicating in the Digital Age. Strategic Finance. Web.