Communication is key to life—not just in your personal affairs, but also in your business. Author Tony Gaskins says that communication is like oxygen to a relationship – “without it, it dies.” The same can be said for your professional associations.
An efficient team is built on many things: trust, support, leadership, and organization. Members should contribute equally, bring different knowledge and skillsets to the table, and identify common goals and values. But none of these things can exist without good communication.
Communication is the cornerstone of business. It allows staff to strategize, share ideas, and track progress; it is crucial for cultivating a healthy workplace environment.
How Does Communication Help?
If you’ve ever left a team meeting unsure of what to do next, you know what poor communication looks, sounds, and feels like. It can be incredibly frustrating, anxiety-inducing, and can limit employees from reaching their full potential for productivity.
If you lack transparent communication from your superiors and don’t feel that you are being given the information and tools you need to succeed, you might feel that your standing in the company is uncertain.
Communication methods like surveys, follow-ups, and regular meetings to touch base help avoid confusion, guide employees, create a system of accountability and improve workplace culture.
Employees on the receiving end of good communication feel more secure in their positions because they are getting feedback that will either help them improve or celebrate their successes.
Many employers and managers don’t feel comfortable communicating with their employees. Perhaps it is the fear of seeming weak, uncertain, or over-involved. In fact, being open and transparent with employees can be a sign of strength, approachability, and leadership.
Harmonious communication between team members of every rank encourages collaboration, idea sharing, critical thinking, and healthy dialogue.
The Benefits of Communicating
The feeling of belonging in a workplace is a powerful motivator. When upper management creates and maintains positive channels of communication with employees, it helps to grow a culture of engagement – which translates to decreased turnover, improved workplace productivity, and overall higher revenue for the business. When employees are motivated, well-informed, and confident in their team’s ability to perform, they are less likely to miss work or seek greener pastures.
Providing Feedback is Essential
To keep your employees motivated and productive, it is vital to provide them with positive feedback. Hearing how much you value their hard work brings the benefits full circle, resonating value, and positivity throughout the organization.
Keeping your employees engaged, motivated, and communicative is an everyday effort, but it is highly worthwhile. Don’t let communication fall through the cracks! Longevity is crucial for empowering employees long-term. Like a mighty locomotive, a well-oiled workforce covers great distances once it’s built up a healthy head of steam. With good communication, your entire operation is full-speed ahead.
