We have become accustomed to using e-communication services like e-mail, SMS, social media, and other messaging platforms.
While these communication platforms make it easier for us to communicate more, the quality of our communication could be better. It is known that most knowledge workers today spend almost half of their time engaging in various forms of e-communication. At the same time, the value added (actual productivity) per worker continues to trend downward.
While so many knowledge workers face the overwhelming task of being unable to keep pace with their jobs, largely caused by excessive volumes of e-communication, the only way they can fix their situation is to leave their jobs in record numbers – the great resignation.
This being said, there are many reasons why leaders must stress the importance of their teammates learning to practice effective communication techniques.
Practicing effective communication results in these benefits:
- Fixes problems. Effective communication promotes active and thoughtful listening and respectful and courteous responses. Effective communication turns potential arguments into productive conversations that benefit the team.
- Better customer relationships. Customers appreciate effective communication because open and transparent communication builds trust.
- Creates more innovative teams. Effective communication promotes more vital collaboration and sharing of ideas among teammates, spawning new and creative ideas.
- Improves teamwork. Effective communication is the glue that holds a team together. Clear, direct, timely, and kind communication strengthens peer relationships.
- Promotes trust. Leaders can be positive examples for team members by practicing effective communication. When everyone communicates openly, the work environment becomes more trustworthy.
- Increase team member engagement. When leadership practices effective communication keeping lines of open communication, employees feel more informed and appreciated. Effective communication fulfills the need for specific motivational drives such as social acceptance, social equity, and social appreciation.
- Promotes team loyalty. Team members feel more appreciated and valued when leaders practice effective communication directly rather than manage them from a distance.
- Improves productivity. Team members are more productive when they know their roles and responsibilities. Leaders that effectively communicate are far more likely to have team members that have clarity about their roles and responsibilities.
Top Ten Percent Leaders enjoy a more significant impact in these areas through the consistent practice of effective communication.
DiBona & Associates provides peer-to-peer training solutions for effective communication between peers, managers, and direct reports.