The #1 Problem in Business Today!

You know what it is – COMMUNICATION, or, specifically, the lack of! What happens when we don’t have good communication within our business?

• Misunderstandings – “I THINK I know what he/she means or wants.” Turns out to be wrong.
• Unclear Goals – People working at cross-purposes against someone else’s (unspoken) goals.
• Tension – “What does he want? When does he want it done? What does he expect of me? How much do I have to spend on this? How am I doing? …”
• Outright or Subtle Conflict – “Well, this is what I THOUGHT you meant, what I thought you wanted!” Anger, resentment, agitation, back-biting, … are the result.

Morale and productivity really suffer when there is poor communication. It is a primary contributor to turnover and higher costs! A University of Michigan study revealed that the #1 desire of workers is not higher pay or better working conditions but “Feeling in on things, a sense of belonging.” This only happens through effective communication where people know you care for them personally, appreciate them and are grateful for their contribution to your business or organization. Bringing people in on decisions that affect them, asking them for input about problems you’re facing, involving them in the planning process, keeping before them your company vision and direction, and letting them know how you’re doing financially – all these contribute to a more satisfied and stable workforce and a better bottom line.

Here are some questions to help you evaluate your communication process:

1. Do I listen, listen, listen for meaning instead of quickly forming my response?
2. Do I listen more than I talk and ask appropriate questions to gain better understanding?
3. Do I rephrase – for better understanding – something someone tells me?
4. Do I give my people constant feedback on what’s expected and how they’re doing?
5. Do I periodically ask them: Ways to cut costs? Improve quality? Increase efficiency? Provide better customer satisfaction?
6. Do I walk my talk, act the way I expect and want others to act?
7. Do I correctly read body language (93% of communication is non-verbal)?
8. Do I understand what I am communicating by MY body language?
9. Do I periodically conduct training on effective communication?
10. Do I rely on face-to-face means when practical, rather than e-mails, phone or memos?
11. Do I try and stick with facts rather than share assumptions?
12. Do I keep my people informed about my business, industry, market, customers, etc.?

Good communication builds trust. Developing good communication is very difficult because we all filter what we hear or see or read through biases, past experiences, and what we THINK the other person’s hidden agenda might be. As Stephen Covey says in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Seek first to understand, and then be understood.” Good advice from an expert.

Become more conscious of your communication habits and ACTIVELY work at improving your communication process! Start today with just one thing from the list above.

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Tags: communication