A few simple communication tips can prevent a lot of mistakes and confusion at work. It’s a situation created by many otherwise good leaders. While they don’t mean to be unclear, a packed schedule hurts their ability to communicate effectively.
In this episode of our Employee Productivity series, you’ll learn some easy ways to improve employee engagement and performance through better communication.
What Productivity Questions Does This Video Answer?
- What are some communication tips for leaders?
- How can effective communication prevent mistakes?
- How should you explain bad news to employees?
- Why should employees know your goals at work?
Video Transcript: Communication Tips for Leaders
Does your communication style create confusion? Then stay tuned. Has this ever happened to you? You’re driving your car, you make a turn, you’re going a little faster than usual but you felt in control of the car. But then you notice your passenger. He or she was really nervous. They are pumping an imaginary brake pedal. Basically, they’re a backseat driver. They’re having doubts about your ability to control the car.
Sometimes that exact same thing can happen at work. You’ve tried to communicate things to people but they didn’t quite get it or they’re confused. This leads to mistakes and misunderstandings. These things waste your time. They can really hurt your productivity.
Do they know your expectations? Do they know what you want them to do. Do they understand what you consider to be their top priorities?
Don’t allow people to guess about these things. They should be defined. Give people the structure, so they know what to do, especially around in those moments when you are not around.
Next, are there clear goals? Do people understand what your area, what your department, what your company, what your business wants to accomplish in the next six months? In the next year?
If people don’t know, how can they focus on your goals? It’s going to be hard. Think about that.
Finally, has something changed in the business? And have you communicated that to people? Often, there’s a change in the market or a structural change in your business. A decision has been made but people don’t know what’s happening. They don’t know what’s on the road ahead.
It makes them nervous. They don’t know what’s going on. They may be trying to do things the old way.
Sometimes this surrounds bad news. It’s better to communicate a change as a result of bad news, than to try to keep it secret, keep it in the dark.
Again, it leads to confusion. Let people know what you’re doing and what you want from them. You will become that much more effective as a communicator and a leader.
About This Video Series
Ken Okel’s ongoing Employee Productivity video series will make you more effective on the job. Every week, you’ll learn a new, easy to understand tip that you can use right away, like communication tips for leaders.
Tired of a productivity problem, like undefined work life boundaries? Let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming episode.
About Ken Okel
As a motivational speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit his video page.
