Communication can be described as an interactive exchange between two or more people, endowed with intentionality and a certain level of awareness, in which meanings are shared on the basis of symbolic and conventional systems, according to the culture of reference. Communication is a constitutive dimension of the social, cognitive, cultural and relational aspects of a person.
When communication is not only constituted by the words that make up sentences or when is totally devoid of them, it takes the name of metacommunication, which is the communication act performed with factors other than or additional to the spoken language.
Human communication – the system of interacting and connecting with the outside world, in general or with a group of people in particular – can be functional, effective and therefore able to convey a message, in which case communication is a real balanced exchange of concepts, thoughts and ideas that enrich anyone, both those who express them and those who receive them.
Research on communication models has shifted from linear models, which didn’t take into account the effects that the recipients of the message can send back to the sender (McQuail and Windhal, 1982), to circular models, such as the one theorized by Watzlawick et al. (1967).Circular models of communication consider communication as a circular process that starts from one subject, reaches another and returns to the starting subject, in a circular process that involves feedback.
The foundation of communication lies in the skill of Active Listening.Within the framework of the CQ: Communication Loop™, Active Listening specifically addresses the development of Receptive Intelligence™, and plays a crucial role in the "receiver" aspect of the loop.
By mastering Active Listening, the CQ: Communication Loop™ remains intact and facilitates smooth communication flow.
Critical Thinking plays a vital role in the effective analysis and comprehension of information during the process of communication. In the CQ: Communication Loop™, critical thinking can be observed in the stages of decoding, interpreting, and encoding.
Negotiation involves the complete cycle of the CQ: Communication Loop™, requiring the utilization of both Expressive and Receptive Intelligences™. Expressive Intelligence™ assumes a fundamental role in negotiation, enabling individuals to effectively articulate their expectations and needs regarding the desired outcome of the negotiation process.
Collaboration is a process that relies heavily on effective communication to foster the exchange of ideas, opinions, and expertise among individuals working together towards a common goal.The CQ: Communication Loop™ serves as the framework through which collaboration takes place. Expressive Intelligence™ come into play when collaborators encode their thoughts and ideas into communicative messages.
Stress has a significant impact on individuals' communication skills, hindering their ability to engage in effective communication and impairing critical thinking. The presence of anxiety, stress, and fears can disrupt cognitive processes, leading to unclear thinking and compromised decision-making abilities. Consequently, communication becomes susceptible to misunderstandings, conflicting non-verbal signals, and the manifestation of instinctive and unhealthy behavioral patterns, resulting in a breakdown of the CQ: Communication Loop™.
