What is “good communication?” Communication is conveying information. What makes it good? What makes it effective? Here are three ways you can feel confident you have “good communication.”
You can never communicate enough.
When conveying your message, you must realize that every aspect and point presented is not going to be remembered and absorbed. That is why you must do it over and over. Your team relies on you for information and even though some of it may seem obvious,you should never allow yourself to fall into the assumption trap. Just because it is obvious to you doesn’t mean it has been received in the same way. Assumption can result in confusion, misunderstanding, rumors and disappointment.
Never presume that a point, strategy or messagecan be inferred. Be crystal clear. Ensure good communication practices by staying focused when you get in front of your people.
Write down exactly what points you want communicated.
Make notes to whom you’ve communicated your message and when.
Communicate strategically. Once you identify your message,present it to your team and have them communicate the same message to their people – and so on.
You can never get in front of your people enough. No form of communication is better than face-to-face interaction. A lot less is lost tointerpretation in personal encounters. Continually strive to communicate your message to all team members every chance you get. Even if you feel like you’ve said it 100 times. Good communication creates security and trust within your organization.
Good communication creates security and trust within your organization.
Learn how those on your team best receive communication.
If a message has been sent and it is not received or understood, then communication has not happened. Communication is a two-way street.
Spend time considering how to best explain your message and what you want the outcome to be.
When communicating the message, also communicate expectations.
Become a good story teller. Information is retained more when it is relatable.
Write things down throughout the day that you want to communicate to your team. Identify whether these things should be sent out in an email, discussed in a staff meeting, or whether a one-on-one conversation is more important.
At Clear Vision Development Group, we offer assessments for leaders and their team members. One critical part of the assessment process is called the communication checklist. This offers individuals an evaluation of how they are best communicated with, ways NOT to communicate with them, and communication tips.
Listen.
Effective communication occurs only if the receiver understands the exact information or idea that the sender intended to transmit. How do you know if your message has been effectively communicated? Feedback.
You as the leader must initiate feedback.
Ask specific questions to identify whether the message has been understood in the same terms it was sent.
Allow team members to express their views without judgement or retaliation.
Acknowledge the feedback.
By initiating feedback, you are forcing yourself to become the listener. Without this process the communication is not complete.
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