Create team cohesion and camaraderie and get employees to stay

I once worked with a manager who only noticed my mistakes and never had a nice thing to say about me.

When I asked her why she was so hard on me, she told me, I’m not hard on you, I’m trying to make you better.

Now that I’m a seasoned person, I understand where she was coming from, but I quit that job as soon as possible and never looked back. I think there’s a more effective way to develop talented workers,

Create team cohesion and camaraderie and get employees to stay

Today’s workforce is different and expects managers to operate as pillars of trust.

Employees want a leader who can communicate clearly, anticipate issues, remove stresses, and speak the truth good times and bad, and if they don’t get those attributes from you, they’ll go somewhere else.

Being a manager who communicates effectively with your team is crucial for building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and achieving shared goals.

Here are some key practices to help you become a manager who excels in communication:

1.Open and Transparent Communication: Foster a culture of open and honest communication. Encourage your team members to share their thoughts, ideas, concerns, and feedback freely. Be transparent with information related to goals, expectations, and organizational changes. Clear and timely communication helps build trust and keeps everyone aligned.

2. Active Listening: Practice active listening by giving your full attention to team members when they speak. Show genuine interest, maintain eye contact, and avoid interrupting. Demonstrate empathy and understanding by reflecting on what they've said and asking clarifying questions. This approach shows that you value their input and perspectives.

3. Clear Expectations: Clear communicate expectations regarding goals, performance standards, and deadlines. Ensure that your team members have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Provide guidance and clarification when needed, and be open to answering questions. Clear expectations minimize confusion and promote productivity.

4. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your team members to discuss their progress, challenges, and goals. Provide constructive feedback and guidance to help them grow.

Actively listen during these meetings, ask open-ended questions, and encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns. Regular check-ins demonstrate your commitment to their development and allow for ongoing communication.

5. Two-Way Communication: Encourage a two-way flow of communication. Create opportunities for team members to share their ideas, suggestions, and feedback. Actively seek their input on decisions that affect them and the team. Regularly solicit their opinions through surveys, team meetings, or brainstorming sessions. This approach promotes a sense of ownership and involvement.

6. Adapt Communication Styles: Recognize that individuals on your team may have different communication preferences and styles. Adapt your communication approach to accommodate these differences. Some team members may prefer face-to-face meetings, while others may prefer written communication. Flexibility in your communication style helps ensure that messages are effectively received and understood.

7. Use Various Channels: Utilize different communication channels to suit different needs. Emails, instant messaging platforms, team collaboration tools, and face-to-face meetings all have their place. Choose the appropriate channel based on the nature and urgency of the message. Be mindful of the preferences and accessibility of your team members.

8. Provide Context and Clarity: When communicating information or instructions, provide the necessary context and ensure clarity.

Explain the "why" behind decisions and help team members understand the bigger picture. Break down complex ideas into digestible parts and use examples or visuals when helpful. Clear communication reduces ambiguity and enhances comprehension.

Remember, effective communication is an ongoing process. Continuously seek feedback from your team on how you can improve your communication style and be receptive to their suggestions. By prioritizing strong communication skills, you can foster a collaborative, engaged, and high-performing team.