Retirement plan sponsors are the first, and most important, line of defense in providing employees with well-managed retirement savings plans.
Kick Your Communication Style into Overdrive: Part 2
As a continuation of our two-part article, Kick Your Company Communication Style Into Overdrive, here are 10 more tips to help you improve your communication skills with coworkers. These 10 tips will help you streamline and boost your communication style. It's important to understand what works for your organization and we hope our tips help you and your coworkers continue to build teamwork and a healthy work environment.
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Make your Compliments Specific
It’s great to hear “job well done,” but do we really know what we did that was so great? Be specific when applauding a coworker or employee for a job well done. Give specific examples and communicate thoughtfully so they understand exactly why you're complimenting them.
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Create a Transparent Workflow
Communicating clear deliverables when working on a project is important. Make sure each project deliverable is communicated to all coworkers involved and clear instructions are given so everyone is on the same page.
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Communicate Each Employee’s Role in Group Projects
When it comes to work and project tasks, understanding your role in the grand scheme of things is critical. Often times when we do not know our role, miscommunication develops, people begin to assume, and the project gets off track. Clearly communicate each coworker’s task(s), so projects run smoothly.
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Have the Right Conversations at the Right Time
Whether you’re discussing a private matter with one of your employees, or discussing sensitive matters that pertain to a major project, be sure you pick and choose the best times and places to have these conversations. You wouldn’t start a private one-on-one communication in front of a group, and you should also be mindful of discussing sensitive matters via email. Always check the cc: field to make sure you're not accidentally in including a party that shouldn't be privy to the information in your email! Respect everyone's time and privacy.
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Don’t Get Bogged Down with Just One Form of Communication
Sometimes we may get wrapped up using email as our primary source for communication in the workplace, but don’t be afraid to branch out. Sending emails can sometimes be misconstrued or the tone is misinterpreted. You might consider picking up the phone or dropping your colleague's desk to talk directly to them.
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Digest Constructive Feedback on a Regular Basis
Make it a habit to ask for feedback regularly. Then, once you receive the feedback—whether it be positive or negative—make sure you act on it. If your colleague or employee tells you that you seem distracted in meetings, try leaving your phone turned upside down and truly engaging the next time you're in a meeting. Being open to constructive feedback is a great way to grow as a professional, plus it opens the door for employees to provide feedback in a healthy manner.
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Be Clear and Concise About Processes
Before a project begins, it helps to define and communicate processes for everyone involved to follow. This helps to avoid potential roadblocks and gives everyone clear expectations. If you don't have clear, defined processes, consider soliciting input from everyone on your team.
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Be Inclusive, not Exclusive
Include your coworkers when brainstorming ideas for a project or task. Employees enjoy feeling like their opinion and insights are appreciated.
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Share Company News
In order to improve communication, involve every employee when appropriate company news occurs. While some internal matters are sensitive and can't be shared across your employee-base, don't miss an opportunity to share when it is appropriate.
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Keep an Open Door Policy
Whether you’re in management or not, it’s best practice to have an open door policy and be approachable. Closed doors can create a stigma and impression of closed walls between employee or manager-to-employee relationships.
No matter your role within your organization, a good communication style can go a long way. Be the best communicator you can be and build long-lasting relationships with your coworkers that will help you get the job done! We hope you've enjoyed our two-part article, Kick Your Communication Style Into Overdrive.
Now that you have some great communication style, considering checking out our blog, 3 Companies With Kick-Butt Company Culture, to learn how you can take your new communication techniques apply them toward your company's culture.
Now that you have 20 communication tips to help you promote a healthy work environment, how will you use them to kick your own communication style into overdrive?
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HR AdministrationKaren McGee
Karen McGee, Sr. HR Generalist, joined SWBC PEO in 2014 bringing with her a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Wayland Baptist. Karen comes to SWBC PEO with over 25 years of human resources management experience. Prior to joining SWBC PEO, Karen worked as a Human Resources Business Partner for a large utility company in San Antonio.
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