Communication is one of the essential elements that will help ensure your team’s success this year. But we all know that communication can be difficult; when done wrong, you and your team will face the consequences.
That’s why we’ve dedicated this article to convey how to communicate better in 2024 (and beyond). So, if you’ve struggled with team communication in the past or want to learn how to be a better communicator, this article is for you.
This is one of the many questions our new members often ask in our EO forums or when they attend our EO Boston events. Here are some practical steps we’ve gathered over the years that produce actual results.
1. Practice Active Listening
Most leaders love the sound of their voices (or have grown accustomed to speaking more than listening). But when working with a team, listening is the best way to make everyone feel seen and heard. It’s also the best way to grow as a leader and business.
In order to communicate better, you must listen to what other people are saying and ask questions for clarification. Nod, smile, and throw in a “got it” here and there to show that you’re paying attention. Then, prove you’ve soaked it all in by echoing the key points afterward. Summarizing these takeaways demonstrates your ability to listen and helps everyone better digest what someone else has said.
2. Watch Your Body Language and Facial Expressions
Another way to work on effective communication this year is to take advantage of non-verbal cues, which often speak louder than words. Starting this new year, watch your body language and facial expressions and make sure they align with the message you want to convey.
Maintaining eye contact and smiling can communicate attentiveness, and in a team setting, these subtle cues foster an environment of openness and collaboration. Non-verbal cues can be extra challenging to send and receive in remote work settings, but you can achieve similar results by slightly exaggerating hand and head motions when speaking and listening (and keeping your camera on whenever possible).
3. Use Clear, Concise Language When You Speak or Write
When talking to your team, avoid jargon and unnecessary words. Simple words convey your message faster. This way, there will be a shared understanding of goals and tasks without confusion. When your messages are muddled, you risk being misunderstood. You’ll then have to spend valuable business time explaining yourself.
4. Discover and Master Different Communication Styles
Here’s another hack: if you want to learn how to communicate better, learn about different communication styles and understand how different cultures communicate. This skill will be useful if you work with a diverse and growing team.
Consider how body language is used and interpreted in different parts of the country (or world, for international teams). Beyond that, ask your team directly how they want to communicate. Do they prefer early morning or afternoon meetings? Video conference calls or phone calls? Structured meetings or a free-flow brainstorming session? The answers to these questions will help you to meet your team where they are.
5. Get Feedback From Others on How You Come Across
Good leaders work with feedback to see how the people they lead feel about their leadership. With this constructive feedback, you gain a clear roadmap of which areas need more work (which will help you hone your communication skills). In the new year, foster an environment where feedback is appreciated and encouraged. The EO forums offer entrepreneurs a safe space to hone their communication skills effectively; more on this later.
Want to learn how to communicate better with your team in the new year? Here are five communication tips that will turn you into a communication guru.
1. Iron Out Underlying Issues
Before you start on these communication tips and learn how to be a better communicator this year, check for any issues that may cause resistance. For example, does your team feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts? Is there anything holding any teammate back? Create an environment that incentivizes your team to be their authentic selves; then, you can implement the other tips in this article.
2. Be Clear About Tasks
Set goals, clearly define tasks, and create a work culture where questions and feedback are as welcome as a warm cup of coffee. Give your team the basics they need to start and set targets so they all know what you expect from them. Explain the “why” behind decisions and routinely check on their progress.
3. Make Time for Team-Building Activities
Schedule time outside of the work hustle for your team to bond. Knowing your team on a personal and professional level can play a strong role in how you communicate with them.
You can also use icebreakers in every team meeting to bring an element of fun and infuse personality. A light chat or brief games before hitting the nail on the head can warm up the environment and make your team receptive to you.
4. Watch Your Tone
The same word can mean many different things when said differently. So, watch your tone, consider context, and ensure whatever you say conveys the intended message so it isn’t misinterpreted.
5. Show Appreciation
Whether via email, virtual meeting, or face-to-face, providing a simple “thank you” can strengthen the relationship between you and your team. Besides being a simple courtesy, gratitude plays a strong role in team dynamics. After all, the end game of teamwork is to share ideas and boost productivity. So, always take a moment to appreciate your team for the time and effort they put in.
Unlocking the EO Advantage
As we enter the new year, consider this article your roadmap to becoming a better communicator. Over the years, EO Boston has stood as a catalyst for entrepreneurs looking to sharpen their communication skills and learn from industry experts.
Suppose you run a tech startup, a fintech, or some other business with at least $1 million in revenue. In that case, you can leverage the EO Boston platform to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. Join the many scheduled forums and events, and you will see these communication tips come to life.
You can get started with our EO Accelerator program and see if this community works for you.
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