A great business can be like having a good relationship; brilliant communication is key to long term success. Having clear and open communication between the members of a workforce can be essential in creating a more productive organization and in maintaining high morale, which frequently translates to a higher profit margin. All these things sound great, but they may not come easy without a good leader.
Positive and open lines of communication within a company can help keep the employees motivated and increases their confidence. Motivated and happy employees make a business better. Communication does not have to be a complicated thing, on a level that would require a military communication manufacturer to get involved to create unique military headsets or military handsets for every individual on a team. There are simple steps that can be used to bring out the best of employee interpersonal and communication skills so that everyone feels like they’re in the loop.
Open meetings are a great place to tell and show what you want out of the company and in what direction your team will be going for certain projects. This can also be a good setting to listen to employee concerns and gather input. It’s valuable to collect this information as it could make the end results of any project better.
You’ll also help build the confidence of your team, as everyone likes to feel that their contribution makes a difference. However, not everyone thrives in an open forum; speaking to some people on a one-on-one basis can also be a helpful alternative in gathering ideas, and in a way that people won’t feel any potential for judgement or criticism from their peers. Remember to show that you respect them and are paying attention to what they are offering in any communication session.
A leader should use easy to follow instructions that everyone can retain. Showing off a grand vocabulary may make you sound impressive but many employees could get lost in the mix. The result of that could be misunderstandings and confusion, which is something that must be avoided at all costs. The goal of any business is that a job is completed well and meetings should not become a personal opportunity to establish any superiority or passive-aggressive authority. Avoid using unnecessary repetition or talking down to your team. There’s no need to treat your employees as though they are students or below your level of intelligence.
Check to see that all information and instruction is easy to understand and take the time to clear up any confusion. Using visual aids can prevent misinterpretations and help maintain attention. They’ll also enhance what you would like your team to do and the outcome you all must achieve. Body language is also important since it can show confidence, sincerity, and openness, which will help your team see you as an approachable leader.
A good leader is someone who not only listens to people and gives them clear instructions in an appropriate tone of voice; it’s also someone who follows their own guidance. It’s easy to give advice and much harder to follow it, so be sure to consider your own choices. Don’t forget that actions speak louder than words and many employees are more likely to remember when something is shown to them not just told to them. It is easy to tell people what to do and boss them around, but showing them that you know what you are doing has more of an impact.
Clear communication is a powerful skill and a valuable asset for any company or team leader. It can also make a workspace more pleasant for all and allow the flow of creativity and innovation. Good communication can only lead to a good outcome, so be sure to prioritize it in your goals as a leader.
