effective communication in the workplace

How To Improve Workplace Communication And Positively Impact Change Projects.

A plan on paper is only as impactful in implementation as effective communication in the workplace allows it to be.

This is because flawed communication, like you can see in the picture above, can lead to disengagement, mistrust, rumors, and resistance.

The greater the number of people, geographic distance, cross-cultural obstacles, or technological issues, the greater the possibility of ineffective communication.

Tony Robbins On Communication.

"To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others."

3 Ways To Improve Effective Communication In The Workplace.

Where leaders place emphasis on strategic planning related to projects in sales, finance, marketing, technology, and other areas, it makes sense that the common denominator of communication receive similar attention.

With that in mind, let's explore 3 ways to improve effective communication in the workplace so that you:

Stop having to worry about lost time or money
Start concentrating on meaningful impact for your customers and employees

1️⃣ Involve Your Employees.

I'm a believer that employee participation in strategy development increases interest in getting to the finish line, attention along the way, and willingness to problem solve as a team.

The resistance toward something we've been told to find valuable is greater than that toward something we've helped to create to become valuable.

It's why I'm fond of applying Kotter's change model with clients.

In this model, the formation of a guiding coalition lends to employee participation in creating vision and strategy, and communicating both throughout organizations.

Pat Summitt said...

"Responsibility equals accountability equals ownership. And a sense of ownership is the most powerful weapon a team or organization can have."

2️⃣ Go Multi-Channel.

Outside of work, you get your information from multiple sources.

During your commute, if you have one, you might listen to the radio.
At home, you're digesting info from TV, podcasts, newsletters, and social media platforms.

At work, whether remote or in-person, you get updates from:

Email
1:1 and group meetings
Other messaging software

Where organizations run into issues in getting accurate information about significant changes to their employees usually happens when those big announcements are shared using only one communication channel.

Early in my career, this happened when the CEO would send an email blast to all the company's employees.

But, with 100s of emails sitting in inboxes, pressure to attend to other activities and deadlines, having to open or download attachments, and strong filters that sometimes sent the message to spam, it was difficult to know who read the email, let alone who understood it.

If employees are getting general updates, throughout the day, using multiple channels, it makes sense that major announcements should be prepared for sharing across those same channels.

Not only is it more likely that a larger % of employees will receive and read the information, but the possibility that they'll respond with thoughts, feedback, or questions also improves.

3️⃣ Reward And Recognize Effort And Feedback.

If there's been any history of employee efforts in providing ideas or feedback being ignored, there's going to be an uphill battle.

If there's been a history of negative consequences, like reprimand or retaliation, for having the courage to step forward, then employees are going to be hesitant to contribute until they can see, and verify, that the environment is changing.

Those in supervisory roles have to lead the charge by:

Clearing obstacles
Demonstrating that the inefficiencies of the past are being left behind
Showing that effort, ideas, and feedback are truly valued

Giving Credit.

"Giving credit where credit is due is a very rewarding habit to form. Its rewards are inestimable." ~ Loretta Young

TL;DR. (Too Long; Didn't Read).

Here are the key takeaways around improving effective communication in the workplace:

Get Employees Involved - We care more about the things that we help to build.
Use Multiple Channels - Sharing key information in multiple places increases viewership and response.
Reward & Recognize Effort & Feedback - Positive reinforcement encourages habits, improves knowledge sharing, and leads to innovation.

These tips can be put to use by team leads and managers as a way to realize progress while refining process and benefiting from the feedback of employees along the way.

Start small, learn from each project, share knowledge, and create a playbook to use as it's introduced throughout your company.

For More On Change Management.

This section of the site is an excellent primer for insight on methodologies, tools, and resources that can support successful change efforts.

To continue your learning:

Ask A Question. ❓

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In health,
Boh

David Bohmiller, MBA, MS (he/him/his)
Founder, CEO and Consulting Executive
Inevitabl LLC

"Helping fitness industry leaders drive employee engagement and guiding teams through organizational change."

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