9 Tips to Communicate Effectively

Our current situation involving the coronavirus and the distribution of vaccines is changing rapidly and is unclear. Thus, making nothing more valuable than the way a leader communicates. Within most organizations, employees tend to hyper-focus on leader communication more so than communication from other employees. People concentrate on leader communication, construe it, and seek to decipher it. Uncertainty creates attention to what our leaders say and what they truly mean.

As leaders of the sports tourism industry, how should we communicate during these stressful times related to COVID-19? Being direct and transparent can be the critical factors in building trust, yet how much is too much? Below are nine tips to consider.

1 Focus on the facts and clarity. Misinformation can take hold when scenarios are uncertain and emotions run high. Therefore, make sure you focus on facts rather than assumptions. With so many options to obtain information, make sure you are a factual source. Be accurate and clear. When employees are stressed, they may be less able to grasp what you are hinting at. Make certain your communication is detailed and free from mixed messages. Co-workers will not have faith in what they do not comprehend; therefore, the clearer you can communicate, the better.

2 Be repetitive and relevant. Employees you communicate with regularly will welcome pertinent communication to their concerns. If you do not have currently relevant information, you may wish to share only what is most suitable now. Also, check-in regularly. Remember, even though you said something one time does not mean people absorbed it, so be deliberately redundant. People hear messages differently. Your redundancy will be comforting during times of stress.

3 Be compassionate. Let people know you care and are listening. Even though you cannot always change a situation, you can voice your knowledge of obstacles and empathy for their battles. Acknowledge these and allow for people’s angst. You do not have to focus a great deal of time on these, but at a minimum, let employees know you recognize them. This will help create trust.

4 Show your human side. During especially stressful times, employees want messages from leaders, not computers. Possibly there is a procedural change or benefit that needs to be adjusted. You may have questions about what you are working through, which is fine; you can recognize you too have questions and are in the process of figuring out the right path forward. Transparency generates trust.

5 Motivate. Though it may be a daunting task, it is imperative to portray commitment and motivation. Underline and emphasize the mission and vision statements of the organization. Show employees how and why you are moving in the direction you are headed and succeed. The ride may be bumpy from time to time, but they need to know all the hard work will be worth it. Show that you are focused on finding creative methods, influencing fresh tactics, and remaining a close knit unit that will soon return to normalcy. Be honest and paint a realistic picture. Things may be challenging now, but aiming for what is on the horizon will keep people engaged.

6 Remind them of the big picture. During times of doubt, people can narrow their views and focus on themselves and only their pressing needs. Remind them of the bigger picture. It is not all about one person, one department, or even your organization. Your message fits in a larger framework, and others are experiencing the same feelings. Employees manage best when they are sympathizing with the wellbeing of others, rather than concentrating on themselves.

7 Be rational. When experiencing a challenge, people flourish when you provide direction. Empower them by letting them know what you need and how they can help. Ask employees to concentrate on sales, event planning, data collection, and lending a hand to one another. Create an open forum… questions are much better than gossip. Rational and engaged ideas will support your message.

8 Bring people together. Let your team know you are on this path together with them and emphasize the organization. Relationships with others significantly influence employees, and daily tasks can be deeply social. Therefore, be sure your outreach to them unifies instead of divides and underlines a message of helping one another.

9 Be choosy. Above all, choose your words wisely. Words have a powerful meaning, and leaders have an overwhelming influence on how personnel succeeds during uncertain times. Employees will hang on to every word from upper management. Play devil’s advocate as you develop your message, knowing your words will be discussed from employee to employee and how they could be misconstrued. Be accurate and uplifting.

Leaders have an essential voice in keeping people relaxed, concentrated, and connected. Know that when communicating, your message will be repeated over and over. Provide the facts, be compassionate, and show empathy. Always work to unite employees drive their focus with a concentration on your mission. Address the present but emphasize the future, thus guiding people to find promise in the confusion and comfort in what is next. When careful about your specific words, you will place yourself in a position to influence during times of uncertainty positively.