High quality and effective communication is the foundation of any well functioning team. Internal team communication is one of the main factors that determine overall performance and sustainability. At the same time, communication is often a source of misunderstandings or unspoken conflicts. Let us therefore look at how you can, in your role as a manager, teach team members to communicate better with one another.
Lead by example
As an article on Forbes points out, a manager always sets an example for subordinates. If you yourself do the things you expect from your team, there is a much greater chance that improvements will actually occur. Learn to listen, do not interrupt others, take an interest in their opinions, avoid assuming negative intentions, and communicate as positively and clearly as possible.
Establish clear communication rules
Many problems arise because a team does not have clearly defined communication rules. What belongs in an email and what should be discussed in a meeting? When is it appropriate to send a message and when to make a phone call? How should conflicts or disputes about responsibilities be handled? Clarify basic communication rules together with the team and define the communication channels you will use.
Teach your subordinates to give and receive feedback
For people to work well together and for communication and relationships to improve, effective feedback exchange must function between them. Teach your team members how to give feedback to others, and above all, how to receive feedback, especially negative feedback.
Create platforms where employees can communicate with each other
You can use meeting formats that are already established within your team. Regular team meetings, for example, are a good opportunity for people to give feedback to each other or to address minor or potential conflicts that arise within the team.
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