Communication is a key aspect of leadership, and communication styles can determine how well a leader can connect and engage with their team members and this adds to the success of the leader. When you are able to communicate effectively, you can create a sense of trust and respect within the organisation as well as among your team members and foster a culture of collaboration.
As you close for work this Friday, reflect on the different communication scenarios you have had to be a part of in your organisation and how this has impacted your performance or your team’s performance. Could anything have been done differently for a better outcome?
Setting effective communication goals can also help to increase your motivation and morale and that of your team members. When staff members feel that their voices are being heard and that their ideas are being taken into consideration, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.
Whether you are a communications expert or seeking to improve your communication skills, to better engage and connect with team members or looking to build your personal brand at by sharpening your communication skills, here are five ways you can improve communication with team members:
Set clear and concise communication goals - Clear goals allow the team to understand what is expected of them and help to ensure that the message is being communicated effectively. It is also important to set measurable goals so that the progress of the goals can be monitored and the results can be evaluated.
Be a good Listener - Listen to the needs of your team members, employees, and the stakeholders. It is important to listen to other’s needs and take their feedback into account. This will ensure a smooth communication flow that will enhance your actions and also show that the ideas and feedback of others are important. This will help to ensure that subsequent actions are tailored to the needs of your team members, employees and the stakeholders and will make them feel respected and valued.
Communicate with clarity - It is important for leaders to communicate with clarity and in a manner that is easy to understand. This will help to ensure that the message is being communicated effectively and that all the stakeholders are able to understand the goals and expectations.
Be open to different types of communication - Different people take in information differently and decipher different types of communication differently and because of these, it is important that communication is available in different forms, formats and mediums. You should be open to using different communication methods such as email, phone calls, online communication methods, video,or face-to-face interactions, as best suited to you, the people consuming your message and the company’s policy.
Provide feedback - Providing feedback is an important part of any communication process and it is important for leaders to provide feedback to the team and stakeholders. This will help to ensure a two- way communication flow and promote efficient dialogue that promotes effective communication.
Do you want to improve your communication skills? Take this free Effective Communication Strategy Short Course.
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