How do you communicate at work?
Talking with a friend over coffee this morning, it was clear her company have massive problems communicating with each other. Bosses bark out orders to middle managers. Middle managers feel they’re not being listened to. Meanwhile, the company is under massive pressure to increase profits.
Amidst turbulent economic times it’s easy to lose focus, panic and stress out. But you mustn’t let this effect the way you talk to each other within a company.
If good communication goes out the window relationships suffer
And that may well have a knock-on effect on productivity, growth and profits.
There are lots of ways to help you promote good communication at work. Here are five:
- Hold a solo brainstorming session and write down as many ways you can think of to be a better communicator at work. Getting mentally set to communicate better is imperative.
- Cut as much bureaucracy and complexity from your internal communications. If you’re a manager, appoint someone to review internal communications and instruct them to slash as much bureaucracy and complexity as possible.
- Remember to say something positive to colleagues, even if you intend to ask them to adjust what they’re doing. E.g. “I’ve noticed you’ve been putting in a lot of extra work on the project. That’s great. But I need you to shift focus slightly and cover …” Without the first part of this example it might feel as if you’re barking out an order.
- Add “No reply necessary” to emails that don’t require a response. We waste hours a year writing “You’re welcome” emails. Be effective and be happy.
- Listen. Get to know your people better. Find out what makes them happy. Show them that you hear what they’re saying. Make them feel seen. Great communication is a about knowing when to speak and knowing when to listen. It’s a two way process.
Get More Digital Marketing & Communication Tips
Check out the Online Marketing Communications Podcast and sign up for the newsletter.
Image: FlickrCC
Pingback: Yoga & Wellness co