Communicate Better With Your Employees
First of all, take a look at yourself and see how you communicate with your employees. Do you find it easy to talk to them? Do you only talk to them when you need them to do something for you? Do you like to hang out with them and shoot the breeze? Now, looking at far more than just the approach, think about what you communicate to them in the first place? Is it all about work? Is it nothing but a stream of criticism? It is important to look at these things because they help you see whether or not good communication is taking place between you and your employees. That is one of the foundations of a good working relationship after all, and you have to know what you are sharing with them, because that affects your relationship.
Employees don't just want random chitchat. They want to be informed. For example, if there are any major upheavals being faced by the company, your employees will want to be informed about that. Nobody likes hearing about major news from other people, especially if it's something that you yourself should be telling them. It shouldn't simply stop at informing them, of course. You must also get their feedback and opinions on what they can do to weather any of the major changes. Even if they don't entirely agree with what is being planned, they should still be able to speak up, ask questions, and share their ideas.
Keep in mind that even if you're the manager, communication has to go two ways. It's not just about you telling employees what you want from them, what you expect them to achieve, and what you want them to do. Remember that employees also expect to be heard, and you should give them that opportunity to share what they're thinking and provide their own feedback on any problems they have with the company, or to simply ask questions. Taking their opinions into account can help them feel and become more involved and realize that they are indeed a vital part of the company.
Remember that you can always ask your employees for their points of view on the level of communication you have with them. Ask them questions such as, "Do you feel the environment you work in welcomes questions and comments?" "How comfortable are you in making suggestions?" "Are you receiving all the information you need for every task you are expected to do?"
When communication lines between you and your employees are open, you are creating a solid foundation for your team. At the same time, this helps employees see their own value in the company.
Employees don't just want random chitchat. They want to be informed. For example, if there are any major upheavals being faced by the company, your employees will want to be informed about that. Nobody likes hearing about major news from other people, especially if it's something that you yourself should be telling them. It shouldn't simply stop at informing them, of course. You must also get their feedback and opinions on what they can do to weather any of the major changes. Even if they don't entirely agree with what is being planned, they should still be able to speak up, ask questions, and share their ideas.
Keep in mind that even if you're the manager, communication has to go two ways. It's not just about you telling employees what you want from them, what you expect them to achieve, and what you want them to do. Remember that employees also expect to be heard, and you should give them that opportunity to share what they're thinking and provide their own feedback on any problems they have with the company, or to simply ask questions. Taking their opinions into account can help them feel and become more involved and realize that they are indeed a vital part of the company.
Remember that you can always ask your employees for their points of view on the level of communication you have with them. Ask them questions such as, "Do you feel the environment you work in welcomes questions and comments?" "How comfortable are you in making suggestions?" "Are you receiving all the information you need for every task you are expected to do?"
When communication lines between you and your employees are open, you are creating a solid foundation for your team. At the same time, this helps employees see their own value in the company.
About the Author:
Employees need to hear from you at work, and not just during their annual performance reviews. Learn about the advantages of face-to-face communication with your people and build their trust and confidence in you as their leader.