Nearly everyone has witnessed the effects of poor communication. A study by the McKinsey Global Institute found that in workplaces with engaged employees, productivity increases by 20-25%!
Without clear pathways, a message has the potential to be entirely misconstrued, resulting in mistakes, inefficiency, and frequently, frustration.
There are many ways to relay a message to a teammate, with the most common methods being email, text message, and in-person.
For text-based communication, it’s imperative to set standards for clarity and brevity. If the receiver finds the message to be confusing, indirect, or even ill-mannered, the intension is lost. Before sending a text message or email, ask yourself,
♦ Is it easy to read?
♦ Is it an adequate length?
♦ Is the tone neutral, positive, or negative?
Setting guidelines such as these will help you avoid sending potentially confusing messages and put you on a path towards efficient communication.
In-person communication has the benefit of nonverbal cues, but there are still some aspects to be mindful of. When talking to a teammate, be sure to present your message concisely. Avoid confusing jargon, which can be especially difficult for newer members of the workplace. Ensure that both your body language and tone of voice are open and respectful. Just as in text-based communication, the message may be misconstrued by the receiver if they detect harshness or feel intimidated.
In all, the best way to promote harmony and efficiency in a team is to create a comfortable and adaptable environment. This framework is provided in the utilization of positive and clear communication.
At Better Everyday Consulting Group, we work within your team to identify communication pitfalls, and mediate the process towards efficiency.
Call us today to see how we can help!
