6 Tips to Improve Communication for Strengthening the culture of your company
Humans are complex, imperfect creatures. Communication meaning, we need to talk. We must communicate meaning. While ants work well as part and parcel of their queen’s collective hiveminds, we can be tripped up with semantics when we send and receive messages. This can be a crucial difference between a well-done job and a complete communication disaster at work.
As a founder, CEO, or entrepreneur, it is easy to overlook the critical role that internal communications play in your company’s success. Leadership is essential to setting the standard for excellent communication. They are able to do this by paying close attention to semantics at the workplace and understanding how these nuances impact the culture in large and small ways. Crunchbase
James Humes, a speaker who has delivered speeches to five presidents, is an expert on delivering a message. He put it this way: “The art, communication, is the language, leadership.” CEOs need to think about messaging and encourage effective communication with all of their employees. Good semantics will help leaders build strong, capable workplaces. People who are happier and more productive in their work environment will be more successful.
These are some actionable strategies to help leaders approach workplace semantics.
1. Define what’s acceptable.
Workplace communication starts with establishing what is and isn’t appropriate. When and how formal should communication be conducted? Is it acceptable to communicate casually? What is the right way to address superiors, colleagues, and customers?
The workplace should be fun. It’s possible to make your day brighter by sharing jokes with coworkers. Employees should be able to tell when jokes are acceptable and when it is not.
A few of these should be addressed within an employee manual. However, most of the practice is passed on through culture. This is why leaders should set an example and be vigilant about identifying patterns so they can be followed and intervene if necessary.
2. Establish terminology.
It is also the responsibility of leaders to determine the terminology that will be used at their workplace. A semantic difference such as calling team members “associates” instead of “employees”, is something that actually shows up in day-to-day life. It emphasizes their contribution as team members rather than making them replaceable parts of a corporate machine, which is not true.
Give thought to the terminology you’ll use. These questions are the minimum you can ask.
- Are there any associates that are responsible for completing projects, deliverables, and/or something else?
- Are you a firm that adheres to a vision, mission, values, and/or vision?
- You your team’s boss, manager, or supervisor?
- Do you regularly attend sessions, meetings, or huddles
It may seem strange at first, but terms with slight differences have distinct meanings. These terms speak volumes about your company’s culture and business models in aggregate. London-Post
3. Eliminate weak languages
Poor language is the main problem in many conversations. Many people don’t even realize they are using it. Self-training is necessary to become more aware of our own speech patterns and learn how to change them. Leaders should communicate their important points clearly.
Here’s a case study on the use of “but”, and “and”. Because “but” can be misinterpreted to mean that others’ ideas or claims are invalid, it is weak. Instead of trying to override others’ contributions, using “and” builds upon them instead. This approach is more motivating and positive. It can explore new territory without destroying its trees.
Poor language, like most weaknesses, can also be an opportunity to improve. If you can identify weaknesses in your vocabulary you will be able to unlock the next step toward becoming a stronger communicator.
4. Clarity is the king.
Ambiguous speech can create barriers in the workplace. If you use ambiguous language, it can be difficult to set clear expectations. To ensure that everyone is on the right page, precise wording is crucial.
People can interpret words in many different ways. A meeting can be short or long, depending on how many people are involved. So that everyone can plan properly, it is better to give a specific timeframe. You can also use words such as “large,” or “urgent” to help team members plan.
Clear communication can also help avoid over-complication. Clear communication is about reducing messages to their essential facts. Leaders who are good at it will check in every now and again to ensure everyone understands. Do it in person if you need to convey emotional content. Tone can easily get misinterpret. Also, serious matters must always treat with the gravity they deserve. In these cases, email is not the best option.
5. Make sure you are thoughtful when using digital communications.
As workplaces become more digitalized and associates use email and tools like Slack, Skype, and Slack to communicate with each other, this is a good thing. These expectations should be set by leaders: What information should and should not go online? What is the correct way to communicate with each other online?
The best way to handle sensitive matters or those that are very important is to meet in person or by telephone. It is not always clear what “important” and what “sensitive” mean to each person. Allow your team to define these words and help them understand when email use should allow.
It is generally a good idea that you send information via email. This allows you to make a written record. Online messaging can use to have casual, real-time work conversations. This allows for quick answers and helps move projects forward. In doubt? Use both. After all, it is better to over-communicate than to under-communicate.
6. Use body language
Semantics extend beyond the written or spoken word. How we behave, act and look every day sends messages that we might not have intended.
By dressing professionally and acting professionally, leaders can set an example. Instead of folding your arms, use your hands to communicate. Keep your posture straight, keep eye contact with others, and don’t hesitate to take up space. Make sure to pay attention and not talk down. Perfect your handshake Smile.
These body language cues combined will create authority and show how gestures can help or hinder our meaning. You can teach your team members how you behave around customers and also train them to be ready for such interactions. Encourage colleagues to dress up when it is necessary and you will see the confidence culture spread.
