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3 Ways To Communicate More Effectively With Your Team
1. “It’s Your Problem, So What Are You Going To Do About It”
3 Ways to Communicate More Effectively With Your Team
“They just don’t get it. They can’t seem to see the big picture. They don’t want to
make the effort to change their thinking. Why can’t I find team members who can
simply take my ideas and direction and run with them?”
Does this sound like things you have been (or are) constantly thinking? As a Project
Manager or Team Leader, you undoubtedly feel frustrated and impatient when
they’re asked to carry out your directives and they appear to not even understand
the nature of the project. How do you fix this problem? Simple. By first recognizing
and accepting that it might not be their problem.
In fact, it’s probably yours.
And it’s yours on two levels.
If your team cannot get the job done, the blame ultimately falls on your shoulders. It
is also your problem because you have chosen to assume that your team should
naturally see things the way you see them. It would be great if they did. But no two
people are alike. Why should yours be any different. Until you are ready to accept
the somewhat humbling reality that your way of seeing things may not be the only
way, your problem will persist.
There are 3 tips to get through to your team more effectively.
1. Don’t make assumptions.
All too often we assume the way we like to communicate is the way others
like to as well. NOT TRUE! Instead of assuming you know, begin by
observing how your team members communicate with other people. Do they
tend to socialize before getting down to business, or are do they tend to be
very direct. Observing will give you clues as to how your team prefers to
communicate in a given situation. You can then adapt your management style
to meet the needs of each individual member.
Helping Global Teams Increase Their Productivity
2. 2. Confirm your understanding
It is vital to understand why people work the way they do. We know that
observing is not enough, so the next logical step is to ask them. How often do
we ask our team members how they prefer to work? Hardly ever, in my
experience. The next step is to confirm your understanding by asking, “Am I
correct, is this how you would like to work.” I know what you must be
thinking; this takes far too much time, probably time that you don’t have. The
time you invest now, in talking to your team is well worth the effort. The
long-term result will be increased productivity, improved staff morale and you
just might get your project in on time and within budget. It is equally
important for you as the project manager to let your team know how you like
to work. “Speak up for your style.” (for a free article on more details on how
to discover your communication style e-mail me at csookman@sympatico.ca)
3. Give them what they need to succeed.
Give them what they need to succeed. People thrive in different types of
environments. Some excel in a structured environment while others are
motivated by recognition and reward. Some may even prefer a more
challenging atmosphere. Understanding the environment they excel in will
give you additional information on how to maximize your team.
Knowing what makes your people tick is what effective communication is all about. It
will help you maximize productivity, efficiency and workplace harmony while
minimizing conflict, false assumptions and employee dissatisfaction.
Realizing that a perceived problem with employees may in fact be a managerial
problem is not something that you, as a manager, probably want to think too much
about. You can, however, take comfort in the fact that things that cause friction, lack
of productivity and an unhealthy working environment can be overcome. In fact,
they can be made to work for you once you understand that differing opinions and
contrary viewpoints are to be embraced rather than shunned.
Helping Global Teams Increase Their Productivity