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Update Key on ComputerWe all know (or should know) that being an effective communicator in work is important: it helps you sell, it enables you to explain your offerings to clients and products to customers, and it gives you the power to detail how you can help them achieve their goals. Without knowing how to get your point across clearly and concisely, you’re looking at a bunch of missed opportunities. However, communication internally to your team is every bit as important. Teams that know how to communicate effectively with each other are more productive and happier in their roles. That’s why it’s important to improve communication as a leader and encourage better communication throughout your workplace. If you’re a leader and you’re looking to improve your communication, follows these tips.

3 Tips to Improve Communication

1. Speak clearly and concisely – Mark Twain once said, “Don’t use a five-dollar word when a fifty-cent word will do.” As a leader, it is your job to issue instructions. To make sure your message isn’t lost make sure to use words that are easily understood and not superfluous (i.e., try to avoid words like, superfluous).

2. Listen carefully – Listening skills are an important component of communication. When you’re not listening, you’re not learning. To earn trust among your team, it is vital that they know you care about them and what they have to say.

3. Consider body-language – Did you know that 60 – 90 percent of our communication with other is non-verbal? Make sure your body language is sending the right message, maintain eye-contact and stand or sit-up straight to show that you are interested in what they say and you have confidence in them and yourself.

Once you have the tools you need to be a more effective communicator, you can use your position to improve communication in the workplace as a whole.

  • Hold town halls where team members can ask questions and share comments and concerns.
  • Try face-to-face communication when you can. Email, text and Slack are great, but why not walk over to someone’s desk and communicate.
  • Play icebreaker games. Asking icebreaker questions get coworkers to talk to each other in a way that they don’t normally do.
  • Have lunch with each other. Plan monthly lunches where different departments take a time out and can chat in a relaxed atmosphere. Encourage people to mingle.
  • Put your phone away. When talking to people, or in a meeting, keep your phone in your pocket and out of site. Set the example and others will follow.
How do you communicate in your workplace? I’d love to hear about any tips that you’d like to share. Or, if you are having trouble communicating, give me a call and we can chat about the best way for you to improve communication skills for yourself, and your organization.