Effective workplace communication skills are one of the main reasons behind the existence of a successful organization. If you think that as an organization, you need to improve on these skills, then this story will help you overcome the communication barriers between you and your employees.
"The greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished." ~ George Bernard Shaw
Studies reveal that most of the employees who give an exit interview after resigning, state that the reason behind their leaving the current company is a 'bad boss'!
Now if you ask yourself the question as to who exactly is a bad boss, your answer will definitely include, 'a person who has no sense of communicating in a nice manner' or 'a person whose body language and vibes are demoralizing'.
Of course, there would be a billion other reasons as to why you dislike your boss, but one of the main reasons would be poor workplace communication.
Although leaving the company is too big a step, even for people who are working in an organization, poor communication in the workplace can lead to a lot of misunderstandings and delays which can prove to be a barrier in the overall growth and achievement of the company.
Which is why it is very important for the management to emphasize on the importance of effective communication within the management and the employees.
Tips for Good Communication in the Workplace
Believe it or not, a healthy workplace environment in an organization is possible only when it has incorporated some effective tips of healthy and clear communication in the workplace. This is only possible if the management takes some necessary steps towards developing a cordial and friendly atmosphere in the organization through proper techniques of effective corporate communication. Some useful tips are mentioned below.
Approachable Body Language
The reason why most of the subordinates find it difficult to approach their employers or bosses is because they get a negative or unapproachable body language from them.
Communication is a two way process, so if you don't give friendly vibes through your body language, there will always be this sense of hesitation and gap when it comes to clearing doubts and concerns through communication. Therefore, it is very important to have a body language that makes the employees feel comfortable.
Call a Face-to-Face Meeting for Important Matters
Another classic example of poor workplace communication resulting into poor outcomes and results is conveying important messages through e-mails or in other ways. What if there are concerns and doubts regarding the same? What if someone missed on getting the message?
Another point to keep in mind is that if you need to praise someone for their contribution, sending an email centrally or putting it on a notice board is a great idea as it encourages the employees.
On the other hand if it is a sensitive matter that needs to be addressed, especially to a single employee, then calling a face to face meeting is a better option. This gives the employee an idea that you respect his/her privacy.
Give Ear to Employee Concerns and Feedback
Communication is a process wherein just receiving information isn't enough, one must also be opened to receiving a valid reply or feedback assuring that the message is received in the same sense as it was intended.
Therefore, if the management has the right to send across information, even the management should be open to receive the feedback, doubts and related concerns of the employees. This means it is also important to be a good listener rather than just putting across one's orders.
Build a Personal Rapport with Your Employees
You all would agree to the fact that we tend to give our 100% and tend to feel more comfortable in an organization wherein there is a personal comfort and a sense of belonging!
In order to develop that sense of belonging, it is important to build a personal rapport with the employees which can be done through talking about personal goals and objectives, or may be arranging informal events so that the management and the employees can spend some time on a personal level.
Involve them in Important Meetings and Organizational Events
Make the employees feel that you consider them to be an important part of the management so that they in turn can feel emotionally connected with the organization. This can be done by involving them in some of the important meetings and discussions and take their opinions and advises into consideration.
You can also give due recognition to employees that have come across some revolutionary idea that has proved to be important in the organization.
Be a Guide, Help, Motivator and a Friend
Many a time a simple line of motivation by your boss becomes an instant boost, while a demoralizing word can completely shatter all your enthusiasm.
Therefore, in order to establish a healthy and effective two way communication, it is important to be open in your body language and words and send across a message that you are there to help the employees, to motivate them and to be there as a friend and a support.
You need to build a trust so that the employees can rely on a trustworthy employer when it comes to their overall growth.
It is only through these tips that one can eliminate unnecessary hurdles and barriers towards the smooth functioning and growth of the organization. So make sure that you start communicating effectively right from the beginning to achieve success in building relationships and a successful workplace environment.