Workplace Communication: A Fitness Lesson

In an exercise class, the role of the instructor is very important. Not only does that person need to tell people what to do but they also need to make sure that the group stays on task.

Recently in a spinning class, the instructor had everyone doing jumps on a count of eight. So you’d be seated for eight and then stand and climb for a count of eight. This would repeat for the length of a song.

Everything was going well until the instructor had to briefly leave the room. Suddenly, the group, which had been perfectly coordinated, now was out of step. As time passed, the situation continued to get worse. No one was on the same count anymore and you could tell that people were becoming frustrated and confused. All of this from just not being able to do things according to a count of eight.

In the business world, making sure that instructions and procedures are followed can carry a higher price than just breaking a sweat. Employees like to know what they are supposed to do but they also need to be occasionally assured that they are performing up to expectations.

When was the last time, you restated the importance of a goal or the reason why a procedure needs to be followed a certain way? If you’re not doing this, don’t be surprised to find out that your team has started to make changes in the way things are done. Sometimes these changes may be for the better. But without your oversight, these changes could undermine your brand, your customer service, and ultimately your bottom line.