Communication is one of the most critical leadership requirements, in both times of crisis and otherwise. Business leaders are counted on to state the facts, demystify fear, promote safety and vision through how they speak to and with employees. Over-communication is a crucial aspect of how to do so effectively. In fact, lack of transparency is frequently cited as a cause for confusion and distrust between leads and their teams. Here are a few ways that communication is always better when there’s more rather than less.
The Value of Transparent Management and Communication Styles
People love the jobs they have where they know their work is valued. They seek out engaging and exciting jobs and companies, and more and more they prefer to be included in decision-making processes, and really communicated with rather than spoken to or managed. It’s your job as a manager to provide those opportunities and make adjustments to communication styles as needed to help attract and retain the sorts of employees that will bring renewed energy into your daily work. These simple adjustments help create an engaging corporate culture and make your competitors wonder what you have that they don’t.
Over Communicate to Ensure Understanding
Another key element of good communication is simple consistency. Hearing one thing one week and something different the next is very troubling from an employee’s perspective. Over communicating a consistent message is the best way to make sure that your teams and clients understand what’s important to you as a leader and the mission of the business itself. Consistency and clarity are two driving forces in achieving good communication. Make sure that both are part of your communication strategy to maintain long term commitment and buy-in. Over communicating sometimes means showing up as a human, and vulnerable to criticism or correction. But keeping those conversations out in the open rather than behind closed doors is important to make sure the visibility leads to action.
Communication Is Key to Culture
Health and safety are the cornerstone of a positive work culture, but communication is a big part of that puzzle as well. Safety is and should be recognized as everyone’s responsibility, and a culture that embraces that is one that will attract high quality talent. A transparent and effective health and safety program is a critical starting point, but company culture is pivotal to that message. You need to make sure that your company walks the walk, as well as talks the talk when it comes to culture. For example, an effective corporate safety culture is the product of individual and group values, attitudes, and competencies. Establishing a company-wide commitment to a safety program helps ingrain the importance of a safe working environment. To achieve that, communication is key.
Find Candidates That fit Your Company Culture
For help staffing up a team that will help you create the best corporate culture your company has ever seen, connect with the recruiting team at All-Star Personnel today.
