Let’s face it; communication is one of the most crucial issues in the workplace. Good communication helps you and all of your teammates to feel heard and understood. As a result, everyone benefits from a positive and encouraging environment.
Conversely, ineffective communication brings the opposite results. Ideas fall flat due to a lack of follow-through. Ineffective communication will make you and your team feel frustrated, unacknowledged, misunderstood, and will cause morale to decline.
Leadership sets the tone for any business. While improving communication may seem daunting, it is possible, and you can successfully lead the way.
Start employing these five strategies for improved workplace communication to increase understanding, improve the workplace environment and promote team spirit. As these natural by-products of effective communication take place, improved success will follow.
Whether in a group meeting or with one employee, offering your entire focus to those you’re with will significantly improve how you’re received.
How often have you conversed with someone who kept looking at their smartphone or elsewhere while talking or listening to you? Lack of focus devalues the conversation causing people to tune out.
Maintain eye contact during conversations and meetings, and put all other things aside to visually convey your focus and encourage each individual to stay present.
Don’t dominate the conversation. After a while, people will start tuning you out, and your message will be lost. Be thoughtful with your words, avoiding fluff and fillers.
Pause after important points to take questions or check for understanding. Doing so will help your coworkers actively participate in the conversation.
Your words are only a fraction of the message you relay. Body language and tone contribute heavily to the effectiveness of your message as well as its perception.
Maintain a relaxed stance and facial expression while speaking with employees. Rest your arms by your sides rather than crossing them, as this is a defensive posture.
Make eye contact, smile when appropriate, and nod your head affirmatively while listening.
No matter how compelling your meeting or conversation was, it’s probable that someone will not remember everything.
A short, concise summary of the discussion will keep important information fresh in people’s minds and remind them of what actions are needed to take from the conversation.
But passing information on to your team is only half the equation. As a leader, it is integral to your business that your communication efforts inspire your team as much as they educate them.
Often, our conversations can lead to confusion about what is information and inspiration.
It is always best to share the “why” behind the “what” in order to create alignment in the conversation.
The effects of improved communication may not appear overnight, but continue to stick with these strategies for the long haul, and your business will reap the rewards of better communication in the workplace.
Originally written by Jim Dunn
Edited by Byron Graham, Director of Support Operations
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