Here are some tips to improve communication within your team:
Leaders should set goals and define their expectations to team members. Clarity in communication reduces confusion; managers cannot expect accountability in employee if they are confused about what they are supposed to do. For example, when we as a manager says: “you need to be more polite to the customers” to our team, we need to be able to define what do we mean by “polite”. Maybe something like: greeting the customers, and put on a smile.
Listening is key in communication. Being a good team member means that we need to listen to what others are saying before giving comment or ask follow-up questions. Here are some ways to build listening skills excerpt from Forbes:
Clarifying facts, goal, timeline, or anything else is important in order to avoid misunderstanding. But do it after the speaker has finished talking or when they pause.
Be respectful in the way we explain our thoughts. We may have opinion, technical answer, but keep it respectful. People will not pay attention when someone is condescending or patronizing.
Not everything will go on smoothly; in fact most things do not in work. At some point it when it happens, what we say and do will show whether we are a good team member or not. If we focus on how it’s not our fault, the problems will get bigger. A team in it together and we shouldn’t make it someone’s fault.
When something goes right and happens to be noticed, what we say and do will also shows whether or not we are a team member. We shouldn’t focus on how it’s all thanks to our effort. Again, we are in it together, and everyone deserve to have their hard work acknowledged.
Effective communication starts with leaders, followed by the team members. Leader should give good example of effective communication using steps above.
Host team-building or other events for team members to get to know each other. Also, coach employees about diversification, which allows them to celebrate unique qualities that make the entire team great.
People are complex, and that can make interacting with others challenging. At times, it can be downright impossible – but it doesn’t have to be that way. Today, people in organizations need to understand that everyone speaks a unique “collaboration language”. If you ever need help to improve communication and collaboration within organization, our award-winning psychometric tools will be a perfect fit for you. Mail us at: support@exquisiteconnection.com or click here for more info.
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