You’re struggling to connect with your team. How can you become a better communicator?

I've found the more you learn about individuals the better you understand them when they are enthusiastic, disappointed, discouraged, and so on. Which makes it easier to empathize. YOU may not get frustrated by the same things, but now you can understand why they might be. And when in doubt about how they feel....ask!

To enhance communication with my team, I would first identify any existing barriers or challenges. Then, I'd prioritize active listening to understand their perspectives, needs, and concerns. I'd foster an open and transparent environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Additionally, I'd adapt my communication style to resonate with each individual and encourage two-way dialogue. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions would be scheduled to maintain alignment and address any issues promptly. Ultimately, by leading with empathy, clarity, and consistency, I aim to strengthen connections and foster a more cohesive team dynamic.

Be a better listener to your teammates for effective communication. Daily Meeting Task summary One to one meeting Presentation

Be vulnerable. Employees/teams will find empathy and connection with vulnerable leaders. Sharing your weaknesses and asking for the team to help strengthen you as you strengthen them will soften the idiosyncrasies of communication styles.

Effective communication is essential for collaboration. From my perspective: - Engaging in dialogue and actively listening to one another provides clearer guidance for our next actions. - Recognizing each other's strengths and weaknesses and discussing how we can support one another is crucial. - Investing time together, whether over lunch or in casual settings, allows us to communicate priorities, goals, and directions. Even if we're competitors, it's important to foster an environment where we can work together and achieve success collectively. - Being open and aligning our perspectives is key.

Active listening is crucial for effective communication. To improve, we need to try paraphrasing what the speaker said to ensure we understand, maintain eye contact, and ask clarifying questions to demonstrate engagement and comprehension. Additionally, practicing empathy by acknowledging speaker's feelings and perspectives.

I would add: establish best intentions when asking clarifying questions. Some people just have a naturally direct tone that can be misunderstood.

For those working in hybrid or remote roles, video calls are essential to getting the full context in terms of body language, reactions, non-verbal cues and overall picture. Another way to ensure you're understanding fellow employees' messages is to repeat back key themes in non-judgmental language to get confirmation. This provides people an opportunity to explain/reiterate something you missed and may help some people 'feel heard' as well.

Effective communication is a two-way street; it's not just about speaking but also about truly hearing what your team has to say. When a team member expresses concerns about project deadlines, actively listening to their perspective and addressing their underlying worries fosters a collaborative environment built on trust and understanding.

Clarity in thoughts brings out enthusiasm in the organisation and throughout. Understanding other's expectations, their concerns and delivering the thought in the most fruitful way enhances team spirit . One should communicate clearly to avoid ambiguity and misunderstanding.

Being clear and concise is the cornerstone of being an effective communicator. However, one must consider adaptability in communication styles. Leaders must recognize the diversity of communication styles within their team and adapt their approach accordingly. This adaptability involves understanding the individual preferences and needs of team members and adjusting communication methods to ensure clarity and understanding. For instance, some team members may prefer direct communication, while others may respond better to a more consultative approach.

Like a GPS guiding travelers through unfamiliar terrain, clear and concise communication provides a roadmap for your team's success. When outlining project expectations in a team meeting, using straightforward language and avoiding unnecessary jargon ensures everyone is on the same page, minimising confusion and maximising productivity.

Be clear in your goals and deliverables. Avoid confusing them with constant changes. If possible, set the SOPs for the entire team for their deliverables. This will help them standardize their execution strategy

Transparency is a critical element in great team communication. But what about those times when you just CAN'T be transparent, like changes in corporate direction that are simply under consideration? In my experience, it's still important to communicate honestly and transparently with your team. If you can't share the news yet, tell them that and, if you can, offer a timeframe when you think you might be able share the news. Then, bring team members into the tent as soon as possible, to let them know that they are valued.

Appreciate them for their good efforts as well set new benchmarks of quality, so that they surpass their own expectations surprisingly. The negative feedbacks have to be subtle and be provided with actionable solutions to improve next time.

Seit etwa einem Jahr haben wir bei der sixclicks ein Format Namens ?sixclicks Kompass“. In diesem Meeting, bei dem alle dabei sind, sprechen wir darüber, was auf Unternehmensebene gerade abgeht. So schaffen wir es, dass alle auf dem Weg zum gleichen Ziel sind. Für mich als Gesch?ftsführer bekomme ich so die Sicherheit, dass kritisch-wichtige Informationen garantiert kommuniziert und sofort bei allen verfügbar sind.

As a start get rid of all the digital noise around work! Connect with people without a digital devices in sight! Face to face - no distractions! Spend quality time - less time on meetings & more informal listening and one to one time! Don't look at the clock - take the time that is needed Understand - that different team means have different ways of looking at times and need to be treated as unique individuals! Keep open lines of honest and transparent communication always open!

What I have found is, the more time you take to connect with your team at the fundamental level, like knowing their personality and how they process/receive information along with removing your personal goals out of the equation tends to turn things around pretty fast. In addition, having team building days or events, while at the same time being “human” and vulnerable displays authenticity and builds loyalty. Build a culture where your team WANTS to win for you and the teams vision/goal. Communicate high standards, your vision for their benefit! The cream always rises to the top! ??

On last thing to complement the 6 topics. It's important to give the team the opportunity to communicate, They need to feel that we are listening, but they also need to feel they can express what they think. Creating a space of trust will be key to ensuring that the team wants to express what they feel and think and do so without fear of being questioned or reproached for their opinions. Listening is important, but if you have nothing to listen to, the result is the same and there will be no room for improvement.

Consider the strategic use of communication channels. The choice of delivery channels—face-to-face meetings, emails, or digital collaboration tools—can significantly impact the effectiveness of communication. Strategically select channels that best fit the message’s purpose and the team’s working style, balancing efficiency with the need for personal interaction. Foster an open communication culture. Actively work to create a culture that prioritizes open exchanges. This involves setting clear expectations for communication practices, encouraging sharing ideas and concerns, and addressing barriers to effective communication. By modeling these behaviors, you can cultivate an environment where open and honest communication is the norm.

Effective communication can be difficult for any leader. Sometimes all it takes to really connect is to get in there and get your hands dirty with them. A strong servant leadership profile will take you places with your employees. Show them that you're willing to do what it takes WITH them to accomplish goals and objectives. You'd be surprised on how many communication doors that will open. Your team will be coming to you with thoughts, ideas, and opening up to you in ways never imaginable. Your team will accomplish everything you set out to accomplish all while developing and growing your team to be stronger and better than ever before.