There is no denying that effective communication is one of the most important ingredients when it comes to planning and implementing major organisational change.
If teams, departments and individuals do not communicate openly and honestly with one and other, then it will be impossible to deliver the transformation hoped for by an organisational change. And if the change is not fully implemented, accepted and embedded into business-as-usual then the whole change initiative will have been a waste of time, effort and money.
If you feel that effective communication could be a problem within your own team then read on to discover some ways to improve this vital skill so that daily activities, new projects and managing change initiatives all have the best possible chance of success.
1. Take stock of your own communication skills
If you want to improve the communication within your team, you need to first look close to home. If you want to serve as a model leader, you need to continue to develop and improve your own communication skills. Even in well-established teams there are always opportunities to improve.
A simple way to start is to invite ideas on how to tackle a particular problem relating to the upcoming organisational change. Listen in earnest to the ideas and potential solutions, offer only constructive-criticism and never personalise criticism. Make all the communication two-way, inform and inspire, follow up in writing, and be mindful of how you are communicating. It is also important to make eye contact and have a relaxed facial expression and stance when talking.
Even if the impending change is being forced through with little consultation with employees (maybe because of urgent new legislation or unexpected financial pressures) the way in which you communicate the reason for the change could determine whether it is positively or negatively accepted by your team.
2. Think about the way your office is laid out
Is your office space restricting effective communication? It can seem like a lot of effort to rearrange your office space but it can be extremely beneficial especially in times of change and uncertainty.
You need to give your team an appropriate physical space that aids rather than hinders communication, especially when it comes to the informal communication that can impact morale and motivation. Did you know that by using office space more effectively you could boost productivity and well-being?
"Acknowledge tasks well done – a sincere thank-you when deserved should be an instinctive response for a good leader."
3. Focus on motivating your team
If you want to improve communication within a team, every individual needs to focus on building a strong team spirit. There are many team-building activities, outdoor activities and work retreats that you can consider but a formal approach isn’t always necessary (or even beneficial).
For a simpler approach why not just acknowledge tasks well done – a sincere thank-you when deserved should be an instinctive response for a good leader. Also make sure you know when each team member’s birthday is and celebrate with cakes. This might sound trivial but simple acts show consideration and consideration makes people feel valued.
If team members do not feel valued they will not feel motivated and could actively resist the changes being implemented. They may not communicate effectively with others because, quite simply, they don’t care enough to do so. To motivate your team members, you also need to show each member how their role is pivotal to the success of the change initiative.
4. Invest in tools to boost communication
Last but not least, there are many tools available to help teams improve their communication, and you should make the most of these. Team communication apps can enhance collaboration so that everyone can work more effectively together.
Even internal blogs and forums can help avoid poor communication by providing a platform for sharing ideas and expertise, somewhere for asking questions or simply a place for letting off steam where other will understand your concerns and frustrations. Just make sure your team are making the most of their time with the communication tools available and they don’t become distractions from the real work at hand.
So there you have it: 4 easy ways to enhance communication between your team members when major changes are being implemented in your organisation.