Communication is a vital skill for any research manager who wants to lead a productive and collaborative team. Effective communication can help you align your team's goals, expectations, and feedback, as well as foster a positive and trusting work environment. In this article, you will learn how to use effective communication to build a strong team in six steps.
Before you communicate with your team, you need to understand your own communication style and preferences. Are you more direct or indirect, formal or informal, assertive or passive, verbal or non-verbal? How do you like to receive and give information, feedback, and recognition? Knowing your communication style can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as how you can adapt to different situations and audiences.
Prior to engaging with your team, it's crucial to delineate your own communication style and preferences. Evaluate whether you lean towards direct or indirect communication, formality or informality, assertiveness or passivity, and verbal or non-verbal expression. Understand your preferences for receiving and giving information, feedback, and recognition. This self-awareness aids in recognizing your communication strengths and areas for improvement, allowing you to adapt effectively to diverse situations and audiences.
One notable example of an Israeli company is Mobileye, a leader in the development of advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving technology. Acquired by Intel in 2017, Mobileye originated in Israel and played a crucial role in shaping the country's reputation as a hub for innovation. Known for its cutting-edge computer vision technology, Mobileye focuses on enhancing road safety and revolutionizing the automotive industry. The company's success can be attributed not only to its technological advancements but also to effective communication and collaboration within its diverse team, showcasing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that characterizes many Israeli companies.
Building a strong team boils down to great communication. Leaders, listen up: prioritize clear, transparent convos, embrace diverse styles, and tech tools. Regular team hangs, handling conflicts pronto, and throwing in some fun team stuff? Vital. Throw in encouraging questions, constructive feedback, and cultural smarts for inclusivity. Keep it positive, shout out wins, and make sure everyone knows their role. Trust, teamwork, and shared goals are the name of the game.
Just as you have your own communication style, so do your team members. They may have different preferences, needs, and expectations when it comes to communication. To build a strong team, you need to understand and respect their communication styles, and avoid assumptions or judgments. You can use various tools and methods, such as surveys, quizzes, or personality tests, to assess your team's communication styles and preferences.
An exemplary case of employing effective communication for team building is evident in Wix, an Israeli web development company. Wix prioritizes understanding individual communication styles within the team. Through diverse communication channels such as team meetings, collaborative tools, and one-on-one discussions, Wix ensures an inclusive environment where team members feel valued and understood. This commitment to recognizing and adapting to diverse communication preferences not only fosters team cohesion but also contributes to Wix's global success in the tech industry.
Once you have a good understanding of your own and your team's communication styles, you need to establish clear and consistent communication channels for your team. Communication channels are the ways and platforms that you use to communicate with your team, such as email, phone, chat, video call, or face-to-face meeting. You need to choose the appropriate communication channel for each purpose and situation, and make sure that your team knows when and how to use them. You also need to set some communication norms and rules, such as response time, frequency, tone, and etiquette, and follow them consistently.
An excellent illustration of effective communication fostering team strength is Taboola, an Israeli company specializing in content discovery. Taboola prioritizes clear and consistent communication channels, employing collaborative tools, regular team meetings, and transparent reporting structures. This approach ensures seamless information flow, promoting unity, efficiency, and productivity. By emphasizing open communication, Taboola cultivates an environment where team members are well-informed, aligned with common goals, and empowered to contribute effectively to the company's success.
One of the most important roles of a research manager is to communicate your vision and expectations to your team. Your vision is the overarching goal or purpose of your research project or program, and your expectations are the specific tasks, outcomes, and standards that you expect from your team. You need to communicate your vision and expectations clearly, concisely, and positively, and make sure that your team understands and agrees with them. You also need to communicate any changes or updates in your vision and expectations as soon as possible, and explain the reasons and implications.
Classic example: In the realm of effective communication fostering strong teams, a classic example is Ubisoft, a prominent French video game company. To build a robust team, step 4 involves communicating a clear vision and expectations. Ubisoft, under the leadership of CEO Yves Guillemot, emphasizes transparent communication of their creative vision for each game project. Regular team meetings and open forums provide a platform for sharing expectations and aligning everyone with the company's overarching goals. This approach not only strengthens internal cohesion but also empowers team members to contribute meaningfully, fostering a collaborative environment essential for success in the dynamic gaming industry.
Clearly articulate your vision and expectations to ensure effective communication. Outline the strategic direction you envision and provide a comprehensive overview of desired outcomes. By communicating expectations, you promote a shared understanding, encouraging alignment and collaboration towards common goals. Utilize concise language to convey the essence of your vision, allowing for efficient exchange of ideas. Establish a framework that encourages open dialogue, enabling team members to seek clarification and offer insights. Effective communication of your vision and expectations is crucial for cultivating a cohesive and motivated team, driving success in achieving organizational objectives.
Another key role of a research manager is to provide constructive feedback and recognition to your team. Feedback is the information that you give to your team members about their performance, progress, and areas of improvement. Recognition is the acknowledgment and appreciation that you give to your team members for their achievements, contributions, and efforts. You need to provide feedback and recognition regularly, timely, and specifically, and use a balanced and respectful tone. You also need to encourage your team members to give feedback and recognition to each other, and to you.
A good example of using effective communication to build a strong team is Ubisoft, a prominent French company in the gaming industry. Ubisoft prioritizes open communication channels, encourages regular team meetings, and values constructive feedback. The company emphasizes improvement over criticism, fostering a positive work environment. Recognition of team achievements is also a key component, contributing to the collaborative success of Ubisoft's diverse team in developing innovative and successful gaming titles.
Giving effective feedback is an art! When providing constructive input, focus on specifics, be clear, and offer actionable suggestions for improvement. Keep it positive and frame it as a growth opportunity, highlighting what was done well. Recognition is equally crucial. Regularly acknowledge achievements, big or small, and make it personal. A simple "great job" or "thanks for your hard work" can go a long way. Tailor your recognition to individual preferences and be genuine. Whether it's a shout-out in a team meeting or a personalized message, showing appreciation boosts morale and fosters a positive work environment.
The last but not least step to use effective communication to build a strong team is to listen actively and empathetically to your team. Listening is not just hearing, but paying attention, understanding, and responding to what your team members say and feel. Active listening involves using verbal and non-verbal cues, such as nodding, paraphrasing, or asking questions, to show your interest and comprehension. Empathetic listening involves putting yourself in your team members' shoes, and showing your empathy and support. Listening actively and empathetically can help you build trust, rapport, and engagement with your team.
Listening isn't just about hearing words; it's an art of connection. To nail active listening, ditch distractions, make eye contact, and show you're tuned in. Respond with nods or paraphrasing to confirm understanding. And hey, let the speaker finish—no interrupting! But here's the kicker: add empathy to the mix. Feel what they're saying, put yourself in their shoes, and respond with genuine understanding. It's about more than just words; it's about connection and creating a space where everyone feels heard.