Poor communication can limit the effectiveness of your organization, even if you operate a small business with just a handful of employees. Without strong communication, deadlines can be missed, work processes can be duplicated and employee morale can suffer. Knowing a few ways to improve communication could benefit your organization.
• Make the Mission and Vision Clear
Take the time to explain the company values and mission, whether as part of corporate training or as a regular reminder to employees. When employees are unified in their understanding of the company goals, they will be able to communicate with one another more effectively in order to reach them.
• Listen
Make a point of actively listening to what your employees have to say, even if you don't always agree or don't think it is relevant to the topic at hand. Showing that you are listening gives the speaker a sense of importance and can make him/her feel respected.
• Communicate honestly
People know when something isn’t adding up. If you try to communicate something that isn’t totally true and honest it will eventually be revealed. It’s difficult to maintain dishonest communication in the workplace because it gets too complicated to hold all of the stories together. Speak the truth and leave the rest for later or don’t say it at all if it’s not true and honest.
• Plan External Events
Create opportunities for employees to meet outside of the office. Nothing hinders communication more than when there are employees in the company who haven’t truly met one another. Plan a holiday party or a happy hour after work. This also gives employees something to look forward to, which can facilitate improved engagement and stronger communication.
Obviously there’s a lot more that can be said about communications in the workplace. These steps may help improve workplace communications. Remember to use daily opportunities to practice your communication skills until you feel comfortable in any situation that arises in the organization.
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