You’re having trouble communicating with your team in startup development. What are you doing wrong?

1 Not defining your expectations

One of the most common communication mistakes is not defining your expectations clearly and explicitly. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and missed deadlines. For example, you may assume that your team knows what you want them to do, how you want them to do it, and when you want them to finish it, but they may have a different understanding or interpretation. To avoid this mistake, you need to communicate your expectations in a SMART way: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You also need to check for understanding and feedback from your team and adjust your expectations if needed.

3 Not choosing the right channel

A third common communication mistake is not choosing the right channel for your message. Depending on the situation, you may need to use different channels to communicate effectively with your team. For example, you may use email for formal and detailed information, chat for quick and informal updates, phone for urgent and sensitive issues, and video for interactive and collaborative discussions. To avoid this mistake, you need to consider the purpose, urgency, and complexity of your message and the preferences and availability of your team.

4 Not adapting your style

A fourth common communication mistake is not adapting your style to your audience. Your team may have different communication styles, preferences, and backgrounds. For example, some may be more direct and assertive, while others may be more indirect and polite. Some may prefer visual and concise information, while others may prefer verbal and detailed information. Some may have different cultural norms and expectations, while others may have different technical skills and knowledge. To avoid this mistake, you need to be aware of your own communication style and the communication styles of your team. You also need to adjust your tone, language, and format according to your audience.

5 Not giving and receiving feedback

A fifth common communication mistake is not giving and receiving feedback regularly and constructively. Feedback is essential for improving your performance, learning from your mistakes, and celebrating your achievements. However, feedback can also be challenging, especially if it is negative or unclear. To avoid this mistake, you need to give and receive feedback in a respectful and supportive way. You also need to follow the four steps of effective feedback: describe the situation, explain the impact, suggest the action, and agree on the next steps.

6 Not following up

A sixth common communication mistake is not following up on your communication. Following up means checking the progress, results, and outcomes of your communication. It also means acknowledging the efforts, contributions, and accomplishments of your team. Following up shows that you care about your team and that you are accountable for your communication. To avoid this mistake, you need to follow up regularly and consistently with your team. You also need to use follow-up tools, such as calendars, reminders, and trackers, to keep track of your communication.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?