Resolve to Communicate Well in 2026

Nobel Prize-winning playwright George Bernard Shaw observed that “the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” His observation is timely when so much workplace communication takes place virtually via email, instant messaging, and online meeting platforms. Too often colleagues think hitting send means they have communicated. But has their message been received?

At the start of a new year, it’s worth pausing to consider how effectively you’re communicating with colleagues, members, and volunteers. At January’s BAE Community Forum, participants did just that, sharing their communication preferences as well as their pet peeves.

For the most part, participants preferred to communicate face to face with email and

instant messaging also among preferred communications channels. Pet peeves

included lack of context, copying too many people on email, typos, and overuse of

emojis. One of the first steps to communicating well in 2026 is thinking about what

keeps the conversation going (preferences) and what shuts it down (pet peeves).

Poor communication leads to lost productivity. According to recent research from Axios, ineffective communication costs organization hundreds of lost working hours and thousands of dollars in lost salaries each year. For example, a single employee earning between $50,000 and $100,000 loses 35+ working days per year due to ineffective communication.

Some Best Practices

None of us has time or money to lose because of ineffective communication. Here are

three best practices to help ensure you communicate effectively:

1. Respect – Respect the style of communication expected based on the situation

being addressed, using the appropriate tone for your audience whether it’s two

people or several.

2. Reflect – Reflect on the message you’ve composed and consider how it would

feel to be on the receiving end.

3. Revise – Revise by rereading your message to check for typos, tone, and tact.

Now more then ever, it’s not what you say, but how you say it.

Key Takeaways

Additional insights shared during the forum include:

• More channels do not mean better communication.

• Hitting send doesn’t mean you’ve communicated.

• Pause before you hit send.

• Communicate with care.

A Challenge for Us All

Pause for 30 seconds, read your email and text messages, and envision yourself on the

receiving end before you hit send. You’ll likely make changes that improve your

communication and avoid conflict. You’ll think about what your goals are and whether

you’re laying the groundwork to achieve them in a positive and productive manner.

Here’s to communicating well in 2026 and beyond!