Plans fail when the message does not travel. Communication is the exchange of information, ideas, and meaning between individuals or groups through speech, writing, visuals, or behavior.

In organizations it flows downward as direction, upward as feedback, and laterally as coordination. Noise, filtering, and mismatched assumptions constantly distort messages. Skilled communicators choose channel, timing, and tone to fit the audience and the stakes.

Listening is as much a part of communication as speaking. Cultures that punish bad news eventually stop hearing it. Clear, repeated, two-way communication remains one of the highest-leverage habits a manager can practice.

• Exchange of information and meaning
• Occurs downward, upward, and laterally
• Distorted by noise and assumptions
• Requires both expression and listening