February 2005
Research shows that most leaders spend over 60 percent of every day interacting with people.
One of the biggest challenges a manager may face is communicating effectively with staff.
Ineffective communication can lead to unmet business goals and objectives, assumptions,
wrong perceptions, lack of team spirit and low morale.
Here are a few strategies to help you become an effective communicator with your staff:
Listen: Remember the 80/20 Principle:
"Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice." Polonius (Hamlet), in other words - learn
to stop talking and listen. Limit your speaking to 20% of the time and listen to your
staff the remaining 80%. The best opportunities to practice being an active listener
are when the employee's emotions are high and during staff and team meetings when
employees are interacting, sharing and exchanging ideas. This allows the manager to
watch team interaction and take appropriate action.
Probe: Ask the right questions!
Be sure to ask closed-ended questions when you need a yes or no answer and use open-ended
question when you seeking more detail. Remember how you ask a question is just as important
as what you ask. The tone of voice can either make or break you. Be sincere when asking
questions - don't just go through the motions. Provide an open door policy for employees
to ask questions if they are unsure about a project or task.
Exercise Confidentiality:
Employees look to managers for guidance and direction. Trust is one the key elements of a
creating positive relationships. Practice discretion. Provide an open-door opportunity
and trustworthy environment and explain that you are always available for private
conversations. During these conversations, listen to the employee, discuss the situation
and offer strategies to handle it. Managers should be careful not to gossip, show
favoritism toward other employees, discuss an employees' issue with others, etc..
- this may lead to mistrust and low morale among the team.
Effective communication takes hard work and effort. Be sure to make a personal
commitment and practice! practice! practice! The results can lead to a more
positive and productive work environment for you and your employees!
Adapted in part from Skills for New Managers by Morey Stettner.
Working Solutions is a non-profit organization
providing employee training and leadership development services
for healthcare organizations, non-profits and corporations.
This retention tip is published monthly to provide tips,
strategies and new ideas for HR professionals, managers and executives
to help retain their employees.
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