Communication is critical for every aspect of management. And understanding the best ways to communicate with your team will facilitate collaboration and results. However, communication looks different for many people. When you add technology and in-person discussions, ensuring your communication is open and transparent and builds a positive company culture is critical. Here are some tips.
How Can You Communicate Effectively With Your Team?
Know The Best Ways to Deliver Different Information
Not all information is the same. Some things are best said in person rather than via email. If you’re remote, video conferences can take the place of face-to-face meetings. Any time you need to deliver negative news, such as a layoff, make sure it’s in person. For things that are low-stakes, an email or text will be acceptable.
Facilitate a Collaborative Environment
Communication among your team is just as critical. Give your employees the right tools for collaboration, so they continue to stay in contact with everyone who needs updates. For remote teams, a slack channel or other instant messengers can help engage team members in conversations.
Consider your Body Language and Tone of Voice
When speaking to your employees in person, be aware of your body language and tone of voice. Communication isn’t just about your words; it’s how you say them and what the listener perceives you to mean. So if you show that you’re stressed or unhappy, the words you say won’t reflect their true meaning.
Know When to Separate Stories from Facts
Humans communicate through stories. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but stories can get in the way of facts in certain situations. Facts are simple truths, but a story is an opinion and an account of what you experienced. It’s important to know when to share examples and when to provide just the details without commentary.
Be As Transparent as Possible
Transparency is becoming increasingly important in the workplace. Employees are less interested in working with an organization that keeps important details private. They want to be a part of decision-making, understand the long-term goals, and be able to make a difference in an organization.
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