Communicating Better At Work


by Janae Wentworth - Date: 2006-12-04 - Word Count: 341 Share This!

Employees often show concern about the quality and quantity of communication at work. Some claim that management gives only lip service to open communication but does little to really communicate with them. Others contend their organizations believe that posting notices on bulletin boards and sending out memos provide adequate communication.

Communication is not over when you finish delivering your message!

Still others say they receive vague instructions that are difficult to follow. Ineffective communication often results in poor cooperation and coordination, lower productivity, undercurrents of tension, gossip and rumors, and increased turnover and absenteeism.

1. Understand that communication is a two-way street. It involves giving information and getting feedback from employees. It is not finished when information is given.

2. Put more emphasis on face-to-face communication with employees. Do not rely mainly on bulletin boards, memos and other written communication.

3. Ask yourself, each time you give an instruction, if the message is clear. Most vagueness is caused by failing to be specific. Example: Do not just tell an employee to "show more interest" in his or her work. If an employee spends too much time chatting with others, be specific about it.

4. View information as "service to" employees and not "power over" them.

5. Listen to employees; show respect for them when they speak. They will feel like part of the team and will tend to be more dedicated and productive. One way: Ask questions to show interest and clarify points.

6. Do not just talk open-door policy. Practice it by walking around and talking to employees. Allow people to disagree and to come up with new ideas.

7. Conduct one-on-one meetings. Ask each employee to tell you how you can help him do a better job. Then how he can help you do a better job.

8. Prepare publications frequently. Emphasize current issues that employees care about; do not substitute quarterly "prettier" publications for substantive, up-to-date ones.

9. Concentrate on building credibility with employees. Managers who lack credibility and fail to create a climate of trust and openness are not believed - no matter how hard they try to communicate.


Related Tags: communication, understanding, listening, cooperation, coordination, message

J. Wentworth
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