Want to improve communication with your team? Avoid these common mistakes

Let’s talk about talking.

It’s obviously an important part of communication, but so is listening.

And listening when you are in a management position? It’s key.

"The single biggest problem in communication

is the illusion that it has taken place."

George Bernard Shaw

I considered myself to be good a listener but for many years after I became a manager, I was listening but not really listening.

I would listen until I had a chance to say what I wanted to say. I would listen until I had the chance to say what I had already decided I was going to say. Who needs to hear the other side?

Afterall, I was the manager. I had to show them I knew my stuff. I had to prove I knew what I was talking about.

I was not listening to what they were really saying or more importantly, what they really needed.

Listening is just one key aspect of effective communication. I also happens to be one area where new managers commonly fall short.

It’s normal to struggle with effective communication as a new manager. And truthfully, this can take a little trial and error until your style and find what works best for you.

But while you are fine-tuning your exceptional communication skills, pay attention to these common mistakes. They can undermine all your hard work and the message you are trying to communicate.

And just so you’re not feeling alone here, I’ve made all of these mistakes too 😊
 

Mistake #1: Not actually listening

Often new leaders are more focused on speaking (we need to prove we know our stuff, right?) or they’re inside their own head trying to keep track of the million things on their to-do list. Either way, it’s common for new leaders to not be very present in the conversation.

An effective approach:

✓ Make sure you are present in the conversation and actively listening to your team members. Summarize what they’ve said and ask insightful questions to show you’ve been listening.

✓ Respect and encourage open dialogue with different viewpoints. Ensure your team knows their opinion is always welcome, even is it differs from yours.

Mistake #2: Ignoring feedback

New leaders sometimes ignore or fail to ask for feedback. Could be ego, could be overwhelm, could be fear of not knowing how to implement feedback. Whatever the case, communication is a two-way street and feedback is essential.

An effective approach:

✓ Regularly ask for feedback and input from your team.

✓ Implement any relevant and appropriate changes from the feedback you’ve received. If no changes will come from the feedback, then communicate that with your team. Ensure they know they’ve been heard.

Mistake #3: Forgetting written communication

Let’s not forget communication extends to emails. Emails without clear, concise messaging can lead to confusion, so pay attention to the amount of information in your email and how it’s formatted.

An effective approach:

✓ Keep your emails short, clear, and to the point. You can always elaborate if needed.

✓ Use bullet points or numbered lists when appropriate so the information is easier to follow.

Mistake #4: Ignoring non-verbal cues

Words aren’t everything and body language can say a lot. Non-verbal communication can make or break how effective your conversation is (think of a time you were more focused on someone’s tone or body language than the words being used).

An effective approach:

✓ Pay close attention to non-verbal cues in both you and the other person. This includes hand gestures, facial expressions and tone.

✓ Ensure your body language supports the message you are trying to communicate.

The need for good communication is significant and being able to properly communicate affects all areas of your role as a leader.

• Want to provide feedback to motivate and develop your team? You need good communication skills.
• Want to handle conflict or have a difficult conversation? You need good communication skills.
• Want to set clear expectations and direction for your team? You need good communication skills.

So, let’s pay attention to these common mistakes (and try our best to avoid them), while at the same time pay attention to what works and what doesn’t when you are having conversations with your team.

There’s no better indicator than a live audience and seeing the effects.

What areas of communication do you find most challenging? Have you done anything to overcome them?

Let me know in the comments!

Happy Leading!

Emily