Marcia's Leadership Q and As: New Pivot for Effective Communication
/
Q. Our employees (and managers, too) are struggling re-connect in the workplace. How are people re-connecting?
A. Management is leading and guiding their staff into a new workplace. People have been challenged in the past chaotic years. Communication models and styles abruptly changed. As we pivot back toward in-person workplaces, communication has changed again. Oftentimes people initially feel uncomfortable re-connecting with others. They’ve been more isolated; meetings have been in a singular dimension (with zoom-similar platforms), and they’ve grown accustomed to that. It's a habit that people have adjusted to, but it’s not necessarily had healthy outcomes.
Some people are also craving being with other people—and when they meet their conversations are robust and insatiable! Initially they may re-engage slowly—and then—WHAM! They open up, and their conversations are very focused, deep, productive, and meaningful. Together they can make faster progress toward their goals.
When people have the in-person experiences, they develop bonds where they commit to helping and supporting each other. They don’t blame others for mistakes; they see actions that are sub-optimal as great learning experiences. Together they learn and move forward.
Effective communication enhances deeper connection and better relationships. People build trust with each other! Employees love to work where they have some flexibility and independence; are appreciated and recognized; and are self-motivated to contribute and make a difference.
Q. As people come back to the office, how can we develop our healthy culture?
A. The more people engage with the company values (recruiting, hiring, and onboarding processes), their teams, and their customers, the healthier the culture can be. As people return, whether it be for a day a month or week or full-time, management should create some interactive, two-way communication exercises on a consistent schedule. It may be monthly or quarterly, but to expedite creating connection and relationships, more often is better for an effective foundation.
Town hall meetings are effective when there are some clear messages shared by leadership. Create open opportunities (in small groups) for people to share ideas, brainstorm, and discuss issues, possible solutions, and opportunities that may be worth pursuing. People need to feel heard and have an impact.
Beyond hearing ideas (and any feedback from employees or customers), the most important outcome is that leadership (and team leaders) makes a plan to take action. Prioritize and focus on quick wins that will make a difference to those you are serving. Then implement the tougher solutions that are consistent with the aim of the organization.
