How do you show your communication value to your team?

Knowing your audience is powerful so that you can be able to cater for each and every person in your team according to their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to receiving and processing information. Tailored messages reflect a great Leader who understands his/her team when it comes to Communication.

It is crucial you also consider that some topics require you to be more sensitive and kind to others. Measure the volume, tone and clarity.

As mentioned above it is highly important to understand our audience. In the last three years I have spoken to roughly more than 3000 professionals , this includes freshers, experienced professionals and industry leaders. I focus more on listening in communication and adding value rather than speaking. If we can make others feel valued we are good in our communication.

Setting a cadence and maxim that communication is to be shared on a need to know, should know and a must know basis is a mandate for all leaders. Hiding important information only erodes trust and confidence in your leadership. Leaders at all levels need to adopt an honest mindset to communicate important information with integrity and fairness. This build faith and camaraderie and you garner support to the team. Timely, consistent and regular feedback, general comms, dispensing vital information reflect a leader's character and working style. Being radically transparent during coaching and feedback helps to achieve the goals and clarifies the purpose and tasks.

Business communication is not always about business, it is influenced by multiple perspectives and the audience perception comes from what is relevant to each group or individual. Before building appropriate communication, building rapport helps build a conversation that can guide our specific terms and details so the message goes clear and relevant to all the participants in the audience. Communication can be tailored but at the same time broad enough to reach the affected parts.

As you choose a communication channel, consider the context of your message and the potential impact. Certain discussions may warrant face-to-face conversations for nuanced understanding, while others could be efficiently handled through written communication channels. Furthermore, think about how your choice of channel might influence the perception of your message. A formal email might be appropriate for official announcements, while a quick chat in person or text message could suffice for informal updates. By thoughtfully assessing the context and considering the ramifications of certain decisions, it showcases your ability to think strategically and to be able to tailor your modes of communication for optimal results.

Incorporating visuals into communication can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Visual aids, such as charts, graphs, diagrams, images, and video can simplify complex concepts, making them more understandable. Visuals also have a universal appeal, transcending language barriers and catering to various learning styles. They can engage and retain your audience's attention, increasing the chances of your message being remembered and making your points more persuasive and compelling. Overall, using visuals wisely can elevate the clarity and impact of your communication, fostering better understanding and collaboration within your team.

To show your communication value to your team, choose a channel that aligns with your team's preferences and needs. Whether it's in-person or virtual team meetings, emails, telephone, or a collaboration platform, ensure your messages are a clear, concise, and relevant. Assess the pros and cons for each communication channel and how each one best aligns with your teams needs. Set clear communication expectations for exceptional communication. Actively listen to your team, address concerns, and factor in feedback. Lead by example, demonstrating effective communication and encouraging open dialogue. By consistently using the optimal channel to foster collaboration, you'll showcase your communication value and improve teamwork.

I always take into account the nature of the message and its urgency. For urgent matters, complex discussions or 1-on-1s, I prefer face-to-face meetings. In cases where this is not possible, we discuss it in a video meeting. For routine updates or non-urgent matters, email or chat is sufficient.

My preferred communication channel is a biweekly one2one and face2face 30min meetings. These meetings aren't usually about work but more about connecting on a deeper level and building trust. If you do this well, when you get to communicate about work with greater efficacy!

Deep Listening skills are very important in communication. It's not just about nodding and eye contact alone because one can do that and not actively listen. When you reflect back on what the speaker has said in a unique way, the person feels heard. It's important to make the person feel heard and create a safe space for that person

Actively demonstrating empathy during conversations is a powerful way to connect with your team members on an emotional level. This involves recognizing their concerns, feelings and different perspectives. Respond with sensitivity and understanding, acknowledging their emotions and validating their viewpoints. By doing so, you not only enhance your reputation as an attentive listener but also foster an environment of trust and open communication within the team.

Show that you're open and eager to receive feedback from your team members. Seek their insights on your communication style with enthusiasm, and be willing to make any necessary adjustments to improve!

Communication is a critical component of a healthy workplace culture and interaction between teams. Having an understanding of the communication styles and preferences of team members goes a long way to prevent incidences of miscommunication and conflict. As part of the induction process, it helps to engage new hires to share "how I like to work".Outcomes from the session should be shared with stakeholders and collaborators. Effective communication also involves understanding the needs of the audience/receiver and packaging the message in a way that catches their attention. It is also instructive to include ingredients of Ethos (personal credibility), Logos (logic) and Pathos (emotion and empathy) to guarantee desired results

There is a big difference between listening and hearing. You hear many managers using the phrase cutting you in the middle of your talk "Oh, I hear you". You can't listen to someone if you are speaking at the same time they are. Listening means that you don't think about anything else than just grasping what the other person is trying to share. You can take note, and share your thoughts in public or in private depending on the feedback you want to give.

Listening actively involves not only receiving but also providing feedback. When team members share their thoughts, acknowledge their input and offer constructive feedback when appropriate. This demonstrates your commitment to productive dialogue and growth within the team and organization. Constructive feedback should be specific, actionable, and offered with a positive intent. By contributing in this manner, you highlight your engagement in meaningful conversations and your desire to contribute to the team’s growth.

The key cornerstones for creating a collaborative environment are trust and transparency. These two often ignored aspects can help us create an environment where team members feel empowered, informed and most importantly ‘safe’. And this environment is likely to stimulate a better sense of cohesion. People collaborate when they trust each other and have access to information that is perceived as transparent. As a Learning and Knowledge Management professional, I have witnessed trust and transparency contribute to effective collaboration in the following ways: 1. Fostering open communication 2. Promoting the culture of collaborative problem-solving 3. Sharing of information 4. Facilitating peer-to-peer learning 5. Building relationships

Think of effective collaboration as choreographing a team dance. The goal? Perfect harmony. Just as dancers rely on the right music, we rely on the right tools—be it the graceful twirl of a shared doc or the rhythmic beat of project management software. But hey, it's not just about following the steps. Throw in some jazz hands! Contribute ideas, sprinkle feedback, and occasionally freestyle with fresh solutions. Using the digital dance floors of online meetings, let's waltz, tango, or even moonwalk together, ensuring our team's performance is not just synchronized but spectacularly show-stopping! Let's dance!

Collaboration isn't just about churning out collective results; it's a dance of diplomacy, where the harmony of individual strengths plays out. They require clear communication and the right tools to keep everyone in sync. This is especially vital today. Leveraging tools can bridge gaps, but the true essence of effective collaboration is fostering an environment of open dialogue and mutual respect. It's about checking one's ego at the door and truly valuing diverse perspectives. Because, in the end, a team that communicates well doesn't just produce results; they innovate, inspire, and elevate each other to new heights. It's like turning a group jam session into a hit song; each instrument might shine solo, but together, they create magic!

Encourage cooperation and Lead by example: Show your team that you are invested in the company's success by putting in the work and leading from the front. Celebrate wins, both big and small, to show your team that their efforts are recognized and appreciated. Encourage development and offer opportunities for growth and professional development to help your team members advance in their careers.

Resolving conflicts is much like being a referee in a passionate game of charades. Players, bursting with enthusiasm, might occasionally clash. Our job? Not to mute the game, but to ensure it's played fairly. If players get too animated, pull out the "active listening" card to grasp both sides of the story. Use your assertive (but never aggressive) whistle to steer back to constructive play. Dive into the problem-solving playbook, maybe even negotiate a bit. After all, we're not just aiming for a quiet game but a harmonious one where every player feels seen, heard, and valued. Let the games, with minimal faux pas, continue!

??... a team is only as effective as its least engaged person, and worse if they have toxic energy which can start to spoilt the bunch. We see our work colleagues more than we see our own family, and so with that, we will begin to argue like siblings. The way to get through it is to open up and talk. Treat each other like a family who want that best for each other and you will see true growth and support within your team/family.

Handling conflicts can greatly influence your team's trust and productivity. I take a proactive approach and deal with disagreements or tensions before they escalate into a bigger problem. The goal is always to find a solution that maintains a respectful, constructive work environment.

Conflict resolution, especially in the workplace, is not a game of gimmick. Skills like mediation or negotiation take effort to master and apply. In communication, a good conflict-re-solver can take a birds eye view, guide the discussion, and achieve committed outcomes. First, neutralise framing and language. This does not meat side-stepping emotions but angling them into specificity and concerns (eg, "He is stupid" to "I see you have concerns over ..."). Second, be the process master. Ensure equal venting space or move parties into creative problem-solving. Guide them to the next step! Third, build certainty in the outcomes. Think about the mechanic, action, or modality that will ensure a long-term solution. Be that artful mediator!

In this new era with many workforces are the gen Z and millenials, resolving conflicts might be effortless without thinking it from their perspectives. Blend together, understand where they are coming from, asking for their justification rather than giving instruction, coz trust me, they think it differently. Sometimes we need to accept the fact that we might be someone that is outdated in decisionwise as well as resolving certain issues, in which we need them for us to adapt with.. today is no longer those days in 2000.

Reflecting is super important to help you progress any skill. Fortunately with communication we have lots of chances to try different things and see what works and what doesn’t. When I’m reflecting on some communication that has not gone well, it helps me to picture the situation as if I was reviewing someone else. This helps to remove our own ego from the situation and critically review our performance without emotion. Creating an honest feedback loop is the fastest way to grow

After a conversation or discussion, take a moment to summarize the key points and reflect on the main takeaways. This not only showcases your ability to distill complex information into concise summaries but it also helps ensure that all parties involved in the conversation are on the same page. It also helps to restate important details and seek clarification, it helps to ensure accurate comprehension and exhibit effective communication skills.

Reflecting and improving is akin to binge-watching your own series, where you're both the star and the critic. Think of feedback as those essential plot twists and reviews, guiding your season's next episodes. Embrace each critique, whether it's a standing ovation or a suggestion to retake a scene. Remember, even top-rated shows have their blooper reels. The trick is to laugh, learn, and leap into the next act with newfound wisdom. Chart out your character arc, set your sights on that Emmy-worthy performance, and ensure that your communication journey is forever in pursuit of that five-star rating. Onward to season two of "Communi-Powers!"

While mirroring and reflection are a key to know your audience. Meditation and self review allow personal insight. When I was a kid my dad would come home from work from his job as a chip foundry troubleshooter at 5:00 and go lay in bed on his back for 10 minutes staring at the ceiling. I would glance him though the crack of the door and this daily ritual for years... in his t shirt - dress pants still on - black oxford shoes kicked on the floor laces undone - my dad staring at the ceiling in a dimly light room - I finally got the courage to ask "Hey Dad what are you doing?" all he said was "...thinking".

This is my share of reflection. Knowing when to be assertive and when to patiently hold your ground is crucial to everyone. Despite our determination and courage, we can't power through every hindrances we encounter everyday at work or in life. We become pushy, however, this creates problems as well. In most situations, we have to respect the one calling the shots, meaning putting our breaks on. There are times we fail to step up and take charge when situations demand. As a result, frustration arises. We get angry. When this thing comes up, we need a parking lot for our angers while we figure out our best next move.

Make eye contact, nod, ask clarifying questions, and summarize key points to show you understand. Engaged listening builds trust and rapport. Communicate context - Explain the rationale, significance and implications of information you share. Demonstrate you understand the bigger picture. Foster openness - Encourage expression of different views and feedback. Show you welcome diverse input to improve teamwork. Communicate with empathy - Be sensitive to others' feelings and situations when you interact. Build trust and compassion.

For us to communicate effectively, we have to break the silos. Most organizations are structured into departments and departments into teams. Most of the time, communication is only streamlined on a team level, sometimes the solution to a certain problem can be solved by the other teams because they have faced those problems. Sometimes shifting our vision from micro to macro, we can solve problems faced by our organizations. Therefore, it is important for us to understand how our teams are connected from one to the other.

These are great tips! What is missing is the what. What are we communicating? I am a believer in transparency. We should be communicating as much as we can as long as it is legally, ethically, and morally appropriate. As leaders, we need to understand the importance of communication. All too often I have encountered management and executive teams who like to filter, sugar-coat, or otherwise withhold the message. Sometimes holding back is the right thing to do. But all too often it is done unnecessarily and for the wrong reasons (power, fear, ego, insecurity). I know from years of feedback on multiple teams...communication is appreciated and lack of communication can be a reason for low employee morale.

Recently, during a team event, things were tense as some “essential” items that were ordered for the event had not arrived! The whole team was feeling the pressure, but instead of focusing on what we couldn’t do, the team collectively decided to focus on what we could do! Each team member sprang into action to remedy the situation. I communicated what I could do, and each other team member stated what they would do. The result? Our total “down” time, without having the necessary supplies was minimal! Each team mate took action, taking on one essential element. The team knew what had to be accomplished. Very little verbal communication took place as everyone understood what actions needed to be taken and took them!

Effective communication comes from a place of trust and authenticity. If you are not being true to your authentic self and if you haven’t worked hard to build that trust, no how-to guide will make you an effective communicator.