Copyright Chris Salem
SPEAKER/Int’l best selling author, business/life strategist, radio show host
Effective communication in the workplace is what separates high-performing companies from the rest. A company that has strong relationships established at its foundation not only drastically reduces employee turnover but dramatically increases production and efficiency.
Despite this fact, even companies in good standing still struggle from time to time with proper communication. When not handled correctly, this can lead to misunderstandings and conflict that reduce productivity and employee morale. Here are some steps you can take today to start improving communication in your organization.
Focus on Your Employees First
According to the American Psychological Association, nearly one-quarter of employees do not trust their employer. Employees respond to leadership that they can trust. Focus on putting your people first by listening to them and developing their skills works to build that trust. Employees are more likely to communicate better and give their best work when you show genuine interest in them. This is empathizing with their roadblocks or dilemmas, and following through on the ways you say you will help. Establishing rapport with your employees leads to better communication. This yields gains across any organization such as an increase in productivity, efficiency, and revenue.
Set Specific Times to Share with One Another
Proper communication is not once in a while. It has to be part of a company’s big plan to bring continuous value to their industry which starts with employees. It also has to be consistent. Setting certain times during the week to touch base can make all the difference in your business. You will learn more about the inner workings of what is going on in the office to offset any potential conflict or misunderstandings. Leaders of the organization who are proactive lead with this at the top of their list.
It is important for the leader to listen well and not to judge. Be the example always for your employees to follow as this builds respect and further trust not only with the leader but everyone in the organization. Take time to listen and be mindful of how you communicate with people. Companies that put workplace communication top of the list lead by example and setting times to communicate and listen are mandatory.
Learn to Leverage People’s Strengths
This is a process and does not happen overnight. It takes time to assess your staff’s strengths and weaknesses. However, companies that place workplace communication high on their list will be able to determine this sooner than others that place less emphasis. Learning to leverage people’s strengths allows companies to place people in situations or tasks that more likely will lead to success. This is where the focus on listening and observation up front can pay dividends in the long run. There’s also the personality type route with Strength Finder being a great resource. All of a sudden, it might make sense that you’re motivated by competition and focus, whereas your other teammate does best with input and ideation. By understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses, it’s easier to have effective communication in the workplace.
Establish the foundation of transparency in the workplace
Organizations that play at another level are always transparent from the top down with their workflows. Everyone knows the bigger picture and vision for the company. In addition, they know each other’s roles and how they will all work together. It is important to organize a clear walk-through by using Excel Spreadsheets, so all your team members are on the same page and not frustrated by miscommunications.
The steps above are just a few of many to follow and implement toward taking your organization to another level. It requires strategy and proper planning but most importantly always being consistent with it.
To your health & prosperity, ~Christopher Salem
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