How do you communicate respectfully in high performance teams?

By defining clear and realistic communication expectations and norms, high-performance teams can avoid misunderstandings, enhance collaboration, and ensure alignment with shared goals and values. Establishing clarity around roles, communication channels, frequency, and tone sets a strong foundation for effective team communication, builds trust, and ultimately drives success. Encouraging active listening, feedback, and adaptability ensures that the team remains responsive and dynamic in achieving its objectives.

Work with the team to establish ground rules for communication. This may involve setting parameters around meeting conduct, email communication, and the use of collaborative tools. Having these agreed-upon norms helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is held to the same standards.

Use Scenarios and Stories -> Break down each expectation into specific, observable behaviors or outcomes. Instead of using broad terms like "excellent communication skills," specify what those skills entail within the context of the job. For example, "ability to effectively present ideas in team meetings," or "clear and concise written communication in project reports." Provide concrete examples of what successful performance looks like to help employees better understand what is expected of them and reduce ambiguity.

Clearly articulate team goals, objectives, and expectations from the outset. Ensure a shared understanding of individual roles and contributions to collective success. Foster transparency regarding deadlines, quality standards, and responsibilities.

Communicating respectfully in high-performance teams is essential for maintaining a positive and productive work environment. Here are some key strategies to achieve respectful communication: Active Listening, Be Mindful of Tone and Body Language, Use "I" Statements, Give Constructive Feedback, Respect Diverse Perspectives, Manage Conflicts Professionally, Practice Emotional Intelligence, Seek Clarification, Maintain Confidentiality, and Provide Opportunities for Input. By following these strategies, high-performance teams can cultivate a culture of respectful communication, trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, leading to improved teamwork and overall success.

Encourage team members to engage in active listening, which involves fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively hearing the message. This includes providing verbal and non-verbal feedback that conveys understanding, asking clarifying questions, and summarising points to ensure comprehension.

Observing is as important as listening -> Pay attention to these non-verbal cues and integrate them into your understanding of what the speaker is saying. When an employee is late to work more than usual. They may repress their struggle and try to appear “"fine"”. They may miss some work deadlines, have issues concentrating at work, or cancel/postpone commitments. If these signs go unnoticed and no help is offered to them, your team's productivity and morale will be negatively affected.

Active listening is essential for respectful communication within your team. It fosters understanding, empathy, and trust, while avoiding interruptions or dismissiveness, enhancing team morale and cohesion.

Demonstrate genuine interest in team members' ideas and perspectives. Employ probing questions to gain insights and clarifications. Mitigate virtual communication challenges by maintaining a focused and engaged presence.

One thing that has been very valuable for me when developing active listening skills is meditation. By increasing my ability to be present, and intentionally keeping my attention where I want it, has made me a much more active listener. Quality relationships can fuel the energy in your team, and active listening is key for this to take place.

In high-performance teams, banter, when wielded with care, becomes the secret handshake of respect, proving that the only thing sharper than our strategies are our witty comebacks. Like banter? Like this post. ?? #madewithclive

Implement regular check-ins or feedback sessions where team members can discuss progress, challenges, and areas for improvement. This not only facilitates ongoing communication but also reinforces the norms around respectful feedback.

Provide constructive, specific, and developmental feedback. Embrace feedback receptively, viewing it as an avenue for continuous improvement. Cultivate a culture of ongoing feedback to facilitate constant refinement.

For givers of feedback -> Frame feedback in a way that encourages growth and development. For receivers of feedback -> Rather than feeling defensive or defeated by criticism, approach feedback with curiosity and a willingness to learn. For teams/organizations -> Create and support a learning culture.

Feedback in a team is like refining a recipe. Great teams use feedback to tweak their approach (ingredients) and achieve better results (a tastier dish). Bonus "next level" tip: Feedback is a two-way street! Don't wait for someone to spoon-feed you advice (tell you what to add). Actively seek feedback (ask to taste the dish) and show your willingness to learn (be a good sous chef)!

Embrace diversity in high-performance teams for fostering creativity and innovation, but be mindful of communication challenges it may pose. Respect and value each team member's contribution while remaining aware of personal biases to ensure inclusive and effective communication.

Proactively address conflicts, seeking resolutions that contribute to team cohesion. Encourage open communication to unearth underlying causes of conflicts. Employ mediation techniques when necessary to facilitate reconciliation.

Remember that body language and tone of voice go a long way here. If you look or sound aggressive, the other people will either have their backs up, feel fear, react in a negative manner or shut down completely. Instead, keep your body language and tone calm and respectful. Use "we" and "us" vs "you" or "me", so team members don't feel attacked or threatened, and bring the conversation back to what the goals of the team are and how those within the conflict can work together to achieve those goals.

We can even say that recognition and appreciation are the currency of a thriving workplace, and you can make deposits in the emotional bank accounts of your colleagues and request a withdrawal when you need their help :)

Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team. Leverage effective communication technologies to facilitate seamless interactions in virtual teams. Embrace adaptability, adjusting communication strategies based on team needs and evolving work environments. Instill a sense of purpose and shared values, aligning communication with overarching team objectives. Encourage a growth mindset, promoting continuous learning and development. Prioritize mental well-being, recognizing the impact of work-related stress and fostering a supportive team culture.