The team at Insight Associates boasts a wide range of skills that help them achieve great things every day. In this blog, we talk to Senior Finance Manager Charlotte Tarran about how she uses her communication skills to support others and why it’s important to keep adapting and practising – especially over a cup of tea!
Smarter communication means stronger relationships and better results
Whether she’s supporting a colleague or demystifying an accounting spreadsheet for a client, Charlotte understands the importance of great communication. In this article, we talk to Charlotte about how she uses different communication skills and styles to enhance relationships and deliver better outcomes.
Why is communication a super skill?
“You can convey a lot not just through your choice of language and tone but also by how you interact with someone. I am constantly adapting my communication style for different situations and personalities. This requires both excellent empathy and a good memory.
Knowing what to say and how to say it can make a massive difference to the success of a project or the strength of a relationship. It’s a juggling act to get it right, but when you do, it’s a fantastic feeling.”
How do you use your communication skills to support others?
“I often have to discuss financial matters with clients. It’s important that I explain any problems or answer any queries in a way that people can understand.
As clients have different levels of financial expertise, I have to think carefully about the language that I use. For example, some might be more operational than others with limited knowledge of accounting terms, principles or regulations.
When I attend a meeting with stakeholders from different departments, I need to communicate in a way that includes everyone, which can be a challenge. But it’s worth the effort. Engaging effectively with a broad set of people helps to build stronger relationships and deliver better outcomes.”
How have your communication skills made a difference?
“There can be a sense of fear around accounts and numbers. I need to recognise this in all my communication – written and verbal – and find ways to demystify financial reports and spreadsheets so people can gain more confidence and control. I love it when there’s an ‘aha moment’ following an interaction with a client or colleague.
Good communication can help build stronger bonds. I sometimes feel like a full-time member of a client’s team! It can also help save people time, which is key for a lot of our clients. I feel proud when I’ve communicated a complex point efficiently and clearly first time round. It avoids a prolonged exchange, which means clients can focus on growing their business and colleagues at Insight Associates can spend more time supporting them.”
Do you have any communication tips?
“Feedback is a good way to evaluate and enhance your communication skills. This might involve asking someone directly for their input, especially if there’s been a misunderstanding after an exchange.
It’s also a good idea to think about how your communication influenced interactions with colleagues and clients. Insight Associates has a collaborative and supportive culture that encourages reflection and the sharing of internal feedback, which gives everyone an opportunity to expand their skills and learn from colleagues.
With so many different communication channels now available, it’s important to select the right one for the specific situation and individual. There’s no one-size-fits-all. You need to keep adapting and evolving to your environment – a bit like a chameleon. If an approach doesn’t work, be patient and keep practising. Every conversation is a learning opportunity, even if it’s over a cuppa!”
