March 16, 2015
Whether you are working for a company with thousands or just few employees, effective communication in workplace is a very important ingredient that can enhance or lower productivity, resolve problems or create barriers to resolve workplace issues. Effective communication in the workplace will build stronger workplace relationship that will significantly increase productivity.
There are several problems that can arise from poor communication such as; poor customer support services, increased amount of call outs, lack of focus and diminished productivity. Studies suggest that poor communications in the workplace lowers productivity because juniors do not feel important in the eyes of their bosses. Practicing effective communication creates a more encouraging and positive atmosphere for the juniors and the bosses. This immensely reduces stress and frustration while still increasing workers morale and productivity. The following are very important tips to develop effective communication in workplace.
Focus On The Problem
It is always very important to focus on the problem and not personality. For example, imagine a manager issuing a memo that directly attacked the assistants implying they were derelict or lazy. The memo would overshadow the factual content.
When dealing with issues that might have emotional content, always keep the 24-hour rule- don’t send any memo, letter, message or report the matter until you have 24 hours to reflect upon the matter and be sure you communicate the facts professionally.
Manage Individuals
To enable personal responsibility, be specific enough. Group communication is only perfect for communicating general information, praise and education. Group communication should not be used for criticism and individual direction. Good managers will praise in public but criticize in private.
Gather Data
You should never confuse symptoms with disease, and treat symptoms rather than disease. Although you have different ways to gather data, it is very important to understand that data is only a mere representation of problem and not the problem itself. As a manager, it is very important to listen to your assistants and reason together.
Work With Your Team
As a manager, you should not hide behind notes and memos as if your juniors are robots. As a successful manager, it is very important to build bridges of mutual respect, trust and shared experience. Talk to your juniors face-to-face and inspire them.
Evaluate Before Taking Action
As a boss, you may be tempted to make quick decisions many which are based on superficial evidence. At times, such decisions may not reflect the real nature of the problem. For example, as a boss, you may assume that the poor appearance of workplace was due to worker’s lack of effort. In this case, the boss may have forgotten that some of the workers had been terminated due financial crisis while the workload remained the same. In such a case, the manager is supposed to talk to his/her assistants before getting to the subordinate staff.
It is not only the work of the manager to promote effective communication, but it is the responsibility of everyone at the workplace. As a manager, it is also very important to look for a business coach to train your juniors on effective communication at workplace and also seek professional advices om how you can enhance effective communication at the workplace from the business coach.