Workplaces are complex! They are filled with Humans, now can they not be?
We are at work for one things and one thing only – to be productive. Poor communication causes really low productivity. Why? Think back to a time you have struggled in a workplace filled with really poor communication. You would have struggled through long boring meetings, had many pointless conversations. Struggled to find answers, not had relevant or helpful feedback from leadership and dealt with tension between colleagues.
All of this results in really poor productivity. The worse it gets, the more the frustration grows and the less and less you produce. Poor communication can cost up to 32% in profit. So for a business turning over $500,000, that's a significant $160,000! Down the drain, but it does not have to be this way.
Here are my tops tips on better workplace communication
# 1: Knowing your intention before you communicate
Intention means purpose, know what you want before you open your mouth. Is it to encourage? To give constructive feedback, to apologise? What is your intention?
# 2: Look for common ground within teams and workplace relationships
People feel more connected when there is common ground, in this way we are all the same. If you are not sure what you have in common ask questions and then let them answer. Be an awesome listener and before you know it you will be building trust and community
# 3: Stop misinterpretation in its tracks
Creating a workplace culture where team members seek to both deliver instructions clearly and unambiguously, and where others feel free to ask questions to clarify, means communication can be corrected before the wrong instructions are carried out.
This also means that misinterpretations can be dealt with easily and early before they grow, cause tension and then conflict.
# 4: Understand your Communication DNA
Each of us has different styles of communication, this is what I call your Communication DNA. To learn more about this you can watch this free short training video all about Communication DNA.
In order understand others you must first understand yourself, what makes you tick, why you do what you do.
# 5: Not knowing your own communication style and strength
Each of us has our own unique style and strength as a Communicator. You may be direct, a natural decision maker, or perhaps you are charming and influencing, perhaps you are a natural listener or maybe you love details and understanding why?
Understanding yourself means you will be really clear on what makes you tick, then you are able to understand what makes other tick.
If you would like to
We work with many different teams and you have the option of support face to face or with our online platform, you can check out the options here
From here it is possible to create a communication centered workplace culture that will have productivity soaring and engagement at it maximum. If you would like to know how to create this type of culture then get in touch send us an email here. Don’t put it off, you deserve to experience better communication.
Until next time, Care, Connect and be a Conscious Communicator
Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.