Every manager recognizes the importance of frequent and open
communication in the workplace. In fact, communication is a vital soft skill
that each and every member of an organization or company needs to have to
ensure the success of a business.
Benefits of Good and Open Communication
As the name implies, communication is a two-way process. In order to
maximize productivity and motivation among your employees, it's important that
there be open communication lines between managers and staff. Through open
communications, these values are promoted:
a. Transparency. When an employee feels confident that they can talk to
another employee and to their managers without worrying about reprisal, they
are more likely to be participative and proactive in determining potential
problems in the organization, as well as finding out solutions to those
problems. Employees who are allowed to know about the obstacles the company is
facing are very likely to offer great ideas that will help the company to
overcome its problems.
b. Conflict resolution. In any organization, conflicts among its members
are inevitable. But then again, management has to find a way to resolve those
conflicts in a professional and timely manner. With open communication,
conflict management and resolution become easier. It allows employees to voice
out their opinions, and it becomes easier for managers to resolve such
conflicts.
c. Innovation. When employees are given access to information, they are
in a better position to deal with any problems or issues they may come across
with their colleagues or clients. Such information also helps them to become
more efficient in completing their tasks.
Making Full Use of Open Communication in the Workplace
An open communication plan in a company or organization is just as good
as those who implement it. When it comes to developing and maintaining open
workplace communication, both managers and workers have to work hand in hand.
For workers, they need to take the initiative to share information with
one another, and they should also make an effort to communicate with management
on a regular basis to make sure the communication lines are open.
As a manager, you may improve your communication with your employees by
promoting an open-door policy as well as by having frequent one-on-one meetings
and group meetings with your employees. It is your job as a manager to
encourage your employees to not hesitate to open up to you about anything they
are going through at work. You have to be approachable and easy to talk with.
More importantly, you need to take proper action to address whatever their
issues are.
Promoting open communication in the workplace is not the easiest thing
to do. Thus, there are business consulting services that you can get to
receive the help you might need to make this successful.
