Part 2 of our 4 BrandUP Components of building a powerful Team Brand focuses on Communication. These team communication tips will increase your team’s productivity, integrity, and personal responsibility. They will know exactly what is expected of them and feel valued. They will feel comfortable asking for clarification and will be a major asset in identifying gaps that cost time and money.
Our 4 BrandUP Components are Team Building, Communication, Personal Brand Development & Work-Life Balance. Today we focus on the communication tips that will improve your team culture and ultimately your customer’s experience.
4 easy ways to initiate solid team communication:
Workplace Fun
When your team is able to socialize informally doing something they enjoy, they develop a deeper connection, communicate more effectively, and they will like each other more which makes for a better work environment. Incorporate a healthy happy hour, intermittent dance breaks (yep!), or field trips to your local bowling alley. Your team will love you for it!
Clear Definitions
One of the biggest communication challenges is that people have their own definition of… well… pretty much everything, so it makes complete sense that two people can be given the same directions and end up with different results. When communicating within your team, there are three questions to explore:
- What does the success of the team, project, etc. look like? That way everyone is on the same page.
- What does failure look like? That way you can work through possible roadblocks and/or mitigate them.
- How will you deal with conflict? When you co-create a plan for navigating the rough spots you will move through them with ease and speed. Further, this initial discussion may even allow you to bypass some altogether!
Positive Weekly Huddles
Think of your weekly meetings as open-ended conversations that give each team member the opportunity to share concerns, wins, and creative ideas. Set the intention for positivity and open team communication from the get-go and remember to show appreciation for each and every contribution.
Listen to Understand
Unfortunately, most people are wired to listen to reply vs. listening to understand and that does not lend itself to solid communication. Listen to others with focus and turn off all distractions whenever possible (YES that includes your cell phone!). When someone explains something to you, repeat what you heard them say and ask if you understood them correctly. More often than not you will receive clarification and then you can repeat your new understanding. Rinse and repeat until you are both satisfied you have a clear understanding. This exercise alone will save time, money and reduce conflict in the workplace.
Bringing the fun into your workplace, clarifying your expectations by discussing definitions, keeping the culture positive, and listening to understand are building blocks to more effective team communication. With these tips, your work environment will improve and your team will be happier to come to work each day.
Be sure to catch up with part 1 of this series: Simple Team Building Tips to Boost Your Brand and Bottom Line.