7 Ways to Communicate Better

Are you a leader?

According to a Gallup survey, 70% of employee engagement is tied to the quality of communication from leadership.

Communication is vital for driving organisational success. Whether you’re leading in a hybrid, remote, or full-time office environment, honing your communication skills is key to fostering engagement and collaboration.

To help you become a better communicator and inspire your team, we’ve gathered insights from our network of leadership coaches.

Here are seven ways to elevate your leadership communication skills:

Set clear and realistic expectations

It’s key to establish clear and realistic expectations for your employees from the very start. Clearly outline working hours, designated meeting times, response times, and deadlines. Ensure these expectations are mutually agreed upon, considering individual circumstances. Encourage open dialogue to foster collaboration and flexibility.

Don’t be afraid to overcommunicate

To avoid misunderstandings, don’t be afraid to overcommunicate important information and updates. Share updates often and clarify expectations to ensure everyone is on the same page. Pay attention to non-verbal cues, even in virtual environments. It’s important to create an environment where employees feel comfortable to seek clarification when they need it.

Regularly check-in

Maintain communication by having regular 1-to-1 meetings with each member of your team. These meetings provide an opportunity for open discussion, feedback exchange, and support. Therefore, by setting aside time to connect on an individual level, you will foster a sense of connection, build trust, and show your employees that they are valued.

Embrace active listening

Create a supportive space where employees can freely express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Practice active listening by maintaining eye contact, nodding to show engagement, and asking follow-up questions. Show genuine interest in your employees’ personal lives and recognise challenges they may be facing outside of work.

Ensure feedback isn’t transactional

Especially in a virtual environment, make sure that when feedback is given it doesn’t start to feel transactional in nature. Recognise and appreciate employees who go above and beyond. Offer your thoughts with empathy, humanity, and recognition, ensuring that their hard work and dedication are acknowledged. In other words, if you appreciate something, make it known.

Be open to feedback

Invite your employees to share their thoughts on your communication style. Inquire about their preference for communication channels, the clarity of your messages, and their overall feeling of support and information. Therefore, by seeking input, you will uncover blind spots and gain an understanding into their personal preferences and needs.

Build a culture of proactive communication

Prioritise communication by creating a culture that values it. Arrange 1-to-1 meetings, team huddles, virtual lunch breaks, or other interactive sessions. By joining in and emphasising the importance of these communication practice, you will inspire your team to follow suit, building a collaborative and communicative environment.

In conclusion, in an era of work that is ever changing, having effective communication skills as an executive is vital in making sure that your employees feel heard, supported, and fully understand their role. By implementing these strategies, you can elevate your leadership communication skills and drive success in your company.

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