Communication is an important pillar of a healthy business. As a manager, team leader or HR professional, effective workplace communication is vital to creating and maintaining a positive team environment. The quality of workplace communication has a direct impact on the employee’s ability to collaborate, meet deadlines, and share new ideas.
Over the past several years major advances in technology have theoretically improved the ability for managers and workers to communicate. But are these technologies causing us to rely on them vs a more personal approach?
Below are 3 tips for effective workplace communication that managers can implement right away – to help increase productivity and improve relationships with employees and co-workers:
1. Communicate Face-to-Face When Possible
Companies have been relying on email as a primary method of communication for the past several years. However, electronic communications can have a detrimental effect on any type of relationship, especially relationships with staff members. How many times have you sent an email to a direct report or superior that was misconstrued?
Even if you had good intentions, electronic communication can be misinterpreted. Since the majority of meaning during a conversation comes from nonverbal gestures and facial expressions, it’s easier to decipher the meaning behind what a person says when communicating face-to-face. When gestures and smiles are taken out of the equation, recipients can get the wrong idea. To improve workplace communication, walk the floor and pay a visit to the team member’s desk.
2. Handle Conflicts with Diplomacy
Managing a team means conflicts will surely happen from time to time. To prevent a small misunderstanding from turning into a major crisis, handle it right away. When dealing with conflict, respond with an open mind and refrain from getting emotional. Ask questions and listen carefully to the responses so you can understand where the other person or persons are coming from. Doing so will help you reach a resolution that is acceptable to everyone.
Lastly, being an effective communicator means making sure that what you discussed was clear to the recipients. If you feel a worker misunderstood something you said, talk to them about it as soon as possible and ask if they have questions. Doing so can prevent unnecessary confusion, resentment and loss of productivity.
3. Provide Clear Information
Good workplace communication involves stating your points clearly and accurately. If you don’t, it can cause confusion for your team instead of clarity. Plan your communication to ensure that you’re passing along the right amount of information so those you’re communicating with will get it. Avoid emails written in haste – and always proofread them before sending.
Summing it Up
As a manager or team leader, it’s important to know that what you’re communicating is clear, and that the information is accurate. It’s also imperative to understand what you should and should not talk about with your staff. So, whether you’re sending a mass email to your employees or having a one-on-one conversation in your office, practicing excellent interpersonal communication skills will go a long way toward your team’s success.
Lanmark Staffing provides over 40 years of combined human resources, recruiting, temporary placement, sales and management, and temp-to-hire services. Our team of local, experienced professionals can help you meet your hiring needs quickly and efficiently