A common complaint among many employees is that their managers don’t seem to know that they are alive. They never criticize. They never praise. They don’t say anything to their employees. Employees often show concern about the quality and quantity of communication at work. Some claim that management gives only lip service to open communication but does little to really communicate with them. Others contend their organizations believe that posting notices on bulletin boards and sending out memos provide adequate communication. Still others sat they receive vague instructions that are difficult to follow.
People who make these complaints don’t work for well-managed companies. Any good company makes certain that there is continuing communication between managers and employees. When good communication exists there will be fewer errors due to misunderstanding. Ineffective communication often results in poor cooperation and coordination, lower productivity, undercurrents of tension, gossip and rumors, and increased turnover and absenteeism.
Experience shows there are many ways managers can improve internal communication. If you want to be a good communicator, keep the following things in mind.
Tell your employees what you have on your mind. When you keep them guessing, they become insecure. Make sure it’s business related, though. Explain what you expect from them. Give them goals to shoot for, so that their standards become as high as yours. Better yet, develop goals together.
Encourage them to bring you their problems. Frustration is eliminated when they know there is someone to turn to when they have a need. You have to understand that communication is a two way street. It involves giving information and getting feedback from employees. It isn’t finished when information is given.. Listen to employees. Show respect for them when they speak. They’ll feel part of the team and will tend to be more dedicated and productive.
Don’t assume that they know as much as you do. Managers tend to talk in shorthand, not realizing their vocabulary may be different from that of their subordinates. Spell it out. Write it, then explain it verbally. Many people don’t comprehend written communications. After you have sent written instructions, follow it up with personal meetings and discuss it detail by detail. Ask how you can help the employees to do a better job. Then share those things employees can do to help you do a better job.
Inform your employees it is impossible for a manager to run an operation alone. Your employees are the most important person in any business other than a customer. But too often we fail to tell them what’s going on. Always inform your employees so they know the score. Managers who lack credibility and fail to create a climate of trust and openness aren’t believed –no matter how hard they try to communicate.
