Communication

Communicating with your employees will be the most important thing you do in a position of management. In fact, it may take up to 75% of the time you spend on the job!

Communication is a continuous, interactive process. It’s critical that we recognize our diversity and respect each other, no matter what level we occupy in the organization.

“Treating others with respect will achieve more desirable behaviors than exerting control with fear tactics.” ~ Unknown

Everyone has a different style of learning new things and a different response to change. Getting to know your employees will help you to communicate with each one in the manner that works best for them. Communicating early and often will help you to avoid many workplace conflicts and misunderstandings.

“The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly” ~ Jime Rohn

Barriers to effective communication

People consciously, or unconsciously, erect barriers that affect our ability to communicate effectively. Following are some examples of barriers that we may be using that deter our efforts to communicate with employees:

• Physical barriers – closed doors, walls, desks
• Perceptual barriers – internal thoughts that subconsciously sabotage your efforts to calm, clear communication
• Emotional barriers – fear, anger, insecurity
• Cultural barriers – it’s important to find a common ground to work from
• Language barriers – aside from the obvious, could be technical or industry specific jargon that not everyone understands

Four principles of communication

1. Everyone communicates verbally and nonverbally, consciously and unconsciously
2. Every individual is a product of his or her own culture
3. All communication is culture-bound
4. There are numerous communication styles within racial, gender, and ethnic groups