Communication is, without a doubt, the single most important part of any relationship, including business relationships. Effective communication is so important for organizational success that each member of your team from management to new employees must work to improve in this area.
Mark Twain once said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”. In this post, we will share some of our top tips for improving the efficacy of communication within your business.
5 Tips for Improving Communication in Your Business
As a business owner or leader, effective and efficient communication must start with you. The other members of your team will take cues from the way you conduct yourself and communicate within your business. By implementing the following tips, you can not only improve your communication style but influence communication within your team.
1. Focus on The Situation
Far too often, business leaders focus on the person that caused a problem, not the underlying situation. When you are faced with a less than ideal situation, refrain from attacking a person’s character. Instead of focusing on the individual, focus on the situation, and deal with the root of the issue.
2. Treat Your Team As Individuals
When a member of your team violates company policy, don’t group your employees into the same category. While one or several team members may be in violation, countless teammates are not. If you find yourself dealing with a policy violation, communicate with the person who is in violation, not the people who are following the rules.
3. Clearly Communicate Expectations
Misunderstandings can create frustration in the workplace that leads to a negative workplace environment and even financial loss for your business. In every area of business, be sure to clearly communicate your expectations with your employees. Doing so will minimize the potential for misunderstandings and ensure that each member of your team is on the same page.
4. Become a Good Listener
In order to become an effective communicator, you must become a good listener. When you are communicating within business, remain silent, keep eye contact, and watch for non-verbal behavior. This will show your employees that you are truly interested in and concerned about their wellbeing. Additionally, it will help you keep an open mind to suggestions or changes that your employees are suggesting.
5. Share Your Success
As a business owner, you realize that you could not achieve your success in business without the support and hard work of your employees. However, far too often this goes unnoticed. In order to maintain effective communication within your organization, it is important to share your successes. Your team will be motivated to work harder if they know that the work they are doing contributes to the success of the business.
Effective communication skills in the workplace will improve your ability to be a strong leader. These tips for improving workplace communication can be implemented and perfected by anyone. Take an honest look at your own communication skills, and then choose one of the areas shared above in which to improve.
LUXA Enterprises specializes in HRM services, outsource accounting, and payroll services. We match up with ideal candidates for services by allowing small to midsize businesses to increase focus on their growth through outsourcing. If you want to know how we can help you, contact us today!