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Play 10: Improve Communications (Staff)
The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell forever changed the way humans communicate with one another. And the internet combined with social media changed the speed at which we can communicate. Innovative staff recognize that communicating with individuals and teams can be challenging because everyone brings their emotions, needs, ambitions, and insecurities with them to the office, whether the office is physical or virtual. Everything requires thought and intention with regard to words and posture-from effectively speaking during a meeting to sending an email with just the right tone or conversing with a colleague over coffee.
Choose Communications Methods Well
Innovative staff carefully match a message with the most appropriate method of communication. There are so many choices to consider: calls or voice messages, emails, text messages, social media posts, and virtual meetings, to name a few. Whenever possible, connect face-to-face in the same room to communicate with someone. Other methods may provide speed, ease, and simplicity, but people can miss out on the context of the conversation. Click this link for a pop-up on research results that confirm the value of face-to-face interaction.
Know How to Communicate
Innovative staff are skilled in the art of communication. While communication is often overlooked as a secondary skill set, those who have educated themselves, trained in the art, and practiced it routinely can be remarkable in drawing team members together and working toward a common cause. Being a skilled communicator can be extremely effective in breaking down resistance with other team members. Seek opportunities to work with leaders and other staff members to help sharpen communication skills; if they are not available, invest in personal communication training opportunities. Once training is complete, ask to lead parts of various meetings. Learning to communicate well is a solid stepping stone to more leadership opportunities, which leads to more opportunities to change the culture.
