Break in Communications can cost business a fortune

I called the airlines to make my flight reservation, the agent made my return date on sept 27th instead of sept2th as I requested, either I didn’t speak clearly or he didn’t listen carefully, but it costs me and my company time and money. Another example, I called my secretary to check on a reservation for me, but she didn’t only check the reservation but she actually made the reservation, another costly mistake.

A client of our company was suppose to bring some timely sensitive business documents, but she didn’t, she thought it was our job to remind her and our secretary thought it was the client responsibility to bring the documents on time.

These small communications break down cost our company close to $2000 in fees and late charges and about 4 days of lost work, which could have been easily avoided.

Break in Communications cannot be totally eliminated but it can be greatly reduced.
In my company, I made it a priority for everyone (employees and clients) to communicate via e-mails and not to rely on verbal communications.

This policy doesn’t always work and some communications take place over the phone, it’s the responsibility of all parties involved that the message was understood. Think of the communications that take place between pilots and air traffic controller; both parties have to read back to each other to make sure the message was delivered.