Business Tips:

Communication

• 1-know your audience / 2-research if needed, be certain your message is accurate / 3-be ready for questions

• Avoid unnecessary filler words Be competent but teachable

• Be confident and open to other points of view Include information that is appropriate for your audience

• It's ok to text a quick bit of information

• Keep it short and to the point

• Listen with empathy

• Send an email when you want to share a process, or document a conversation

• Talk face-to-face for difficult conversations Understand people have different ways of communicating and responding.

• Some like to think about what is being discussed, others like to talk it through.

• Use facts, figures, and words to express your message clearly

• When delivering bad news be… Specific | Honest | Open Minded | Prepared | Direct

• Establish Clear Channels: Provide clear channels for communication, such as email, messaging platforms (Slack, Microsoft Teams), project management tools (Trello, Asana), and face-to-face meetings.

• Ensure everyone knows how to use these channels effectively.

• Encourage Open Communication: Create a culture where employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal.

• Encourage open-door policies and regular feedback sessions.

• Active Listening: Encourage active listening among team members.

• Ensure that when someone speaks, others listen attentively, ask clarifying questions, and seek to understand their perspective.

• Use Plain Language: Avoid jargon, acronyms, or overly technical language that may confuse or alienate team members.

• Use plain and straightforward language to ensure clear understanding.

• Provide Context: When communicating information, provide context to help others understand the significance and relevance of the message. Context helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures alignment.

• Regular Updates: Keep team members informed with regular updates on projects, goals, and company news. This can be done through team meetings, newsletters, or project status reports.

• Set Communication Expectations: Establish clear communication expectations, such as response times to emails or messages, and guidelines for using communication tools effectively.

• Clarify Roles and Responsibilities: Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities within the team. Clarify who is responsible for what tasks to avoid confusion and duplication of efforts.

• Encourage Feedback: Encourage a culture of feedback where team members feel comfortable providing constructive feedback to one another. Feedback should be specific, timely, and focused on improvement.

• Embrace Diversity: Respect and value diverse communication styles within the team. Recognize that different individuals may prefer different modes of communication (e.g., email, phone, in-person), and adapt accordingly.

• Training and Development: Provide training and resources on effective communication skills, including active listening, conflict resolution, and nonverbal communication. Invest in developing employees' communication abilities.

• Lead by Example: Leaders should model effective communication practices by being transparent, approachable, and responsive to their team members. Their behavior sets the tone for communication within the organization.