Elevate Communication Between Your Colleagues

ELEVATE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN YOUR COLLEAGUES The reality is that most leaders, managers, and employees within most organizations simply don't communicate with one another very well. Communication is imperative for sound business operations, regardless of whether those conversations happen in person, by phone, through email, or from afar via virtual teams. And the need is not necessarily for more communication, but more effective communication. Given that communication has such an enormous impact on our relationships and performance at work, we should seek to constantly improve our abilities in this area. A recent survey on sub-par workplace communication (and its related costs to business) indicates just how important effective communication really is. Consider the following sobering statistics related to misunderstandings and lack of communication: 1) Lack of Efficiency Employees are more likely to do their work in an efficient manner when they work in an environment where open communication is fostered. 34% 34% of the survey participants uho indicated that their companies do not excel at internal communication said that communication bottlenecks negatively impact their productivity at work 2) Lack of Effectiveness No employee wants to be inefficient or to make mistakes. Open lines of communication give employees better direction in regards to their work and help to create an environment that operates more smoothly and with increased synergy. 30% 30% of survey participants said they do not have all the information they need to do their jobs. 3 Lack of Personal Relationships When an employer has more time to spend with employees one-on-one, people feel more comfortable sharing their ideas and giving feedback. Taking the time to build good working relationships creates a more-collaborative work environment. 74% 31% 74% of survey participants who communicate with senior management or above at their companies use email to communicate. Only 31% of the respondents indicated that they schedule one-on-one meetings with their leaders. 61% 53% 61% use the phone for communication. A little over half (53%) engage in unscheduled conversations. Lack of Idea Sharing Employees are more likely to collaborate and share ideas with others if the workplace fosters an environment of cross-functional communication. Being able to communicate openly allows people to produce more-effective ideas and take full advantage of the skills everyone within an organization has to offer. 7% Only 7% of survey participants indicated that they think their coworkers are aware of the entire range of their skills. Lack of Respect Open communication eliminates misconceptions and negative feelings within the organization and makes room for more creativity, synergy, and fun. 52% 29% Only 52% of survey participants said they respect their couorkers. 29% said they learn a lot from their couorkers. 39% 19% Only 39% said they respect their Only 19% said the same about their managers. managers. CMOE partners with all types of organizations around the world to provide leaders and team members with performance solutions, training programs, Center for Management & Organization Efeetiveness research, and consulting services. Our mission is to help organizations achieve strategic success and build lasting partnerships in the workplace. http://www.cmoe.com SOURCE: Workplace Communication Impact survey, September 2010