Improving Communication Communication is a two-way street, filled with nuances, plenty of hazard signs and, too often, a lack of clarity. But communication is essential to our jobs. When done right, it can ease tensions, unite teams and even boost morale. It’s one of the top issues community members come to GovLoop.com to read about. In this section, we highlight actionable steps for improving communication with individuals or across teams. We also include tips to effectively use your voice in the workplace.
How to Improve Communication Effective communication is essential for an organization to be resilient and therefore able to respond to change and disruption in a flexible and innovative manner. When offices have open and honest communication at all levels and in all directions, they will be more likely to maintain productivity when a crisis hits.
Tips from Beth Payne, former U.S. Diplomat and resilience training expert
Here are some tips for improving communication: Err on the side of over-communicating.
Restructure staff meetings.
Although most leaders think they are communicating enough with their teams, most employees wish they had more information and report not feeling well-informed.
Many staff meetings start with the head of the office reporting out, and then each team member giving his or her report. This one-way communication has limited benefits.
• Recognize this disconnect and try to communicate more than you think is necessary.
• Instead, consider focusing staff meetings on a theme or problem and then have a discussion that engages everyone. You want dialogue, not monologue.
• Don’t assume that everyone will get your message with just one announcement or email. • Ensure that important information is communicated in several ways and in various forums to make sure it is heard.
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• Ask questions. One of the best ways to improve communication is to ask probing and thoughtful questions. And then shut up and listen.
