Clear Communication

In a previous post, we looked at Mindset and Motivation: using tools to create an environment in which internal rewards can be realized by employees and/or coworkers. Things like words of affirmation, transparency, building trust, and leading with grace go a long way in perpetuating a culture of thriving people.

Another part of creating an environment for growth and development in your company deserves its own section (hence, this post). Clear communication is invaluable in the workplace; it promotes efficiency and productivity, increases morale, and reduces unnecessary stress and conflict.

Being forthright increases efficiency and productivity for obvious reasons: people can get the job done right the first time when they clearly have all the information they need.

Giving straightforward direction is the self-evident part of clear communication, but listening is just as imperative. Actively listening to those around you with the intention of understanding each situation and person causes others to feel heard and understood. This makes decision-making on your end much easier to stand behind because you know it’s more than just an educated guess…you’ve taken everyone’s thoughts into consideration. Office morale and confidence in leadership is built into the culture of your space in this way.

Solid, honest feedback is also valuable to your employees and coworkers. It lets them know where they stand with you, what they can work on to get better, and which tracks are good ones for them to stay on. Constructive criticism is best received when it’s balanced with some good news, so find something positive to say, too. Always make sure to do it in person and never in front of peers or anyone else. If you need to address something with several people, it’s usually best to meet one-on-one with each of them. Showing this level of respect when having to say the hard things will soften the blow a bit.

Feedback should never be one-sided, though. Ask for their feedback, too; when they feel like their voice has been validated, it’s easier for them to take ownership of the changes you’re asking them to make. Honest feedback that is welcomed in both directions also increases motivation and engagement.

Clear instructions and expectations prevent misunderstandings that can cause undue stress to an employee or the environment. Any marksman will tell you that seeing the mark (or understanding it) makes it infinitely more likely to hit. Making sure that your coworkers are not inundated with inconsistent priorities coming from multiple sources also prevents unnecessary stress and exasperation for them. If you’ve ever been in a situation where you’re darned if you do, and darned if you don’t, you know this unsettling feeling. Make sure everyone has a clear understanding of what is expected and prioritized, and your coworkers will find more successes than failures.

Open communication between leaders and employees or amidst coworkers also encourages empathy.  It helps others be brave enough to say what they need to say without fear of repercussion, and an emotionally healthy person will reciprocate this openness. Much of the time, it needs to be demonstrated first and then replicated to become a part of the office culture. Further, well-done candor tends to promote collaboration. When people feel like they are part of a cohesive team, they are more likely to support one another in finding solutions and solving problems.

The ability to directly convey clear instruction, expectations, and feedback to fellow office personnel is one of our mightiest tools for increasing productivity and morale and reducing tension amongst coworkers. Additionally, good communication skills promote understanding and cooperation in the workplace. Clearly, these are all benefits worth striving for in our business relationships.