Leadership is largely about daily communication, which is why the best managers are often those with the best communication skills. While professional articles tend to focus on giving feedback or handling crises, this one will explore how to have better everyday conversations with your team.
Listen and give space for responses
According to Addicted2Success.com, the biggest obstacle to effective communication is a tendency to talk too much and listen too little. Real listening involves consciously focusing on what the other person is saying and then asking questions that add depth to the conversation.
Ask open-ended questions
Instead of closed questions that can be answered “yes” or “no,” use open-ended questions which give the other person a chance to talk on their own and also encourage more elaborate responses. Such questions will help uncover your team members’ genuine opinions, feelings and needs. At the same time, they show you care about more than just work outcomes and see employees as real human beings.
Speak clearly and specifically
Too many managers communicate vaguely. They use management jargon, vague vocabulary and often do not name unpleasant problems for what they actually are. All of this can lead to confusion and frustration on the part of subordinates. So articulate your thoughts clearly and concretely. Direct communication saves time and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
Show empathy
Empathy is the foundation of all good communication. Show that you understand your team's feelings and perspective. Simply acknowledging the relevance of subordinates' opinions and asking them a few questions can significantly improve the quality of your conversations with them and strengthen overall team cohesion.
-mm-