, ,

How To Help Your Team Communicate Better

, ,

COMMUNICATION IS A SKILL THAT CAN BE LEARNED. Here are some tips and examples to help your team polish up their presentations, learn how to disagree professionally, and level up their own credibility and impact.

Mastering The Basics: Tone, Clarity, Attitude

  1. Use Invitational Language Rather than Commanding

    • Want to engage your listeners without sounding too dogmatic? Ask questions after you’ve presented an idea, like “how does that sound to you?” Or “can you think of any issues that might raise?”

  2. Practice Active Listening

    • Show engagement by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and summarizing what you’ve heard. Try statements like "So, you’re suggesting we adjust the timeline?"

    • Avoid interrupting; let others finish before responding.

  3. Be Clear and Concise

    • State your point directly to avoid confusion. Here’s an example: "I recommend we prioritize the client meeting over the internal review."

    • Avoid jargon unless everyone understands it.

  4. Project Confidence Without Arrogance

    • Use a declarative tone and avoid filler words like "um" or "maybe." Instead of, "I guess we could try this," say, "I believe this approach will be effective."

    • Stand or sit upright and maintain open body language to reinforce confidence.

  5. Express Empathy

    • Acknowledge others’ perspectives. Here’s an example: "I understand this project is challenging, and I appreciate the extra work you’ve put in to making it a success." Showing empathy builds trust and encourages open dialogue.

Learn to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable

Disagreements are inevitable, but how they are handled have so much to do with the outcome.

  1. Use "I" Statements

    • Focus on your perspective to avoid sounding accusatory. Try things like "I wonder how this approach will impact our strategy" instead of "Your plan is wrong." This keeps the conversation constructive and less personal.

  2. Acknowledge the Other Person’s View

    • Validate their input before offering an alternative. Try statements like "I see why you suggested this timeline, but I think extending it could ensure better quality." This shows respect and opens the door to compromise.

  3. Propose Alternatives

    • Instead of just disagreeing, offer actionable ideas. For example, say, "I’m concerned about the budget constraints. Could we explore cost-saving options like X?" This demonstrates problem-solving and keeps the discussion moving forward.

  4. Keep Calm and Carry On

    • Keep your tone even and avoid defensive body language (e.g., crossed arms). Energy is contagious, and it starts with mindset. Before you disagree, get yourself in an emotional state that is open and calm. If emotions run high, pause and suggest revisiting the topic late. It’s ok to say things like: "Let’s take a moment to think about this a bit more and discuss this again tomorrow."

  5. Seek Clarification

    • If you disagree, ask questions to understand their reasoning. Asking things like "Can you explain a bit more how this might unfold?" shows you’re open-minded and may reveal common ground.

Addressing Attitude Issues Constructively

When addressing negative attitudes or unprofessional behavior, focus on maintaining respect while being firm and solution-oriented.

  1. Address Privately and Promptly

    • Discuss attitude issues one-on-one to avoid embarrassment. Don’t let issues fester; address them soon after they occur.

  2. Focus on Behavior, Not the Person

    • Describe specific actions rather than labeling the individual. Saying "I noticed you seemed dismissive during the discussion" is more tactful than "You’re being rude." This reduces defensiveness and keeps the focus on improvement.

  3. Be Curious About the Underlying Issues

    • Invite their perspective to help you understand underlying issues, Use statements like "I sensed some frustration in the meeting. Can you share your thoughts with me on that?”

  4. Set Clear Expectations

    • Clearly outline desired behaviors. In moments of conflict, it can be ok to say things like this: "We build teamwork best in meetings when we can share ideas respectfully, even when we disagree." Reinforce the impact of their behavior on the team.

  5. Assume the Best and Convey Belief In their Ability to Succeed

    • Statements that convey your belief can fuel a person’s growth. Consider things like “I know you want what’s best for the team, and I think a bit of focus on this one area is going to elevate your impact.”

Good Social Skills Help Make People Great

By adopting these strategies, your staff can communicate with greater politeness, confidence, and professionalism while handling disagreements and attitude issues in a way that strengthens team dynamics.

you can grow your business.