There is no doubt that a growing company would eventually experience problems concerning communication skills in the workplace. To communicate in a small company, all it takes is for one employee to take a few strides or roll a desk chair. However, as the business grows, communication becomes a problem by itself, with the layers of bureaucracy and hierarchy making it difficult for a rank-and-file employee to air his concerns to top executives.
There are many cases, in which the management team is sure that everyone in the company knows about the company strategy. Often, they rely too much on memos and circulars that aren’t even read! When you take a peek at these organizations, you will see that majority of their staff are disoriented, and do not share the confidence that the executives have.
If you would also like to discover the potent power of leaders who communicate well, here are a few tips:
1. Create a culture of intimacy. Now we’re not talking about intimacy as something that requires physical proximity. That’s literally impossible, especially for large corporations with thousands of employees scattered in different offices. Rather, what companies should create is an emotionally supportive work culture. Good leaders should know the sentiments of their employees. Are they happy with the company policies? Is there a way to improve employment policies without hurting the company? Project an image of openness by establishing avenues for comments and suggestions. It would also help if the top executives release bulletins and memos that are written in a more personal tone, as if you’re talking directly to the employee. Better yet, C-level officers should make an effort to reach out by attending small office gatherings, talking to non-managerial employees, and get to know the people.
2. Interact with the workforce. Interactivity is the hallmark of good communication skills in the workplace. Once you have established intimacy in the office, you need to maintain the flow of the conversation. Don’t be tempted to do all the talking – provide means for employees to express themselves. If the company’s big, then technology can come to aid. Set up an internal corporate blog or forums where employees can air their concerns and ideas.
3. Have a clear intention. You must also ensure that the conversations have a sense of purpose. You don’t just engage your employees in a conversation without a purpose. Set up a goal. Is it for employees to better understand company policy? Is it a way to improve corporate strategy? Whatever the goal is, the conversation should align with it, otherwise all the effort to improve communication skills in the workplace will become futile.
Many industry leaders are now restructuring the communication structure in their offices, from adapting a strict “top-down” structure towards being more inclusive by having information circulate across the company. Businesses that have returned to face-to-face are seeing improvements in everyone’s communication skills in the workplace, and an increase in their production.
Linda Finkle_LinkedIn
