Emails, text messages, Skype video chats, phone calls, virtual conference meetings and in-person discussions are just a few of the communication channels that exist in almost every business in 2017. Many times, companies and individuals will blame these various channels of communication as the reason why a project was unsuccessful or a goal was not reached, ignoring the lack of dialogue that exists between team members. Poor communication is one of the leading causes of low employee retention, negative company reviews, and decreased productivity, as team members are unable to perform their roles effectively or understand how to complete specific tasks on a day-to-day basis. Healthy communication practices need to be at the center of your business to set up your team for success, and here is why.
Builds Respect and Relationship
A business is only as successful as its team members, as without their innovation, input and drive to succeed; a company will never be able to grow or mature. The best teams are diverse, as every member has a unique skill set and level of expertise that can be contributed to the entire group. Although each employee has been specifically chosen to further the success of the company, even the best teams can fail if poor communication exists between members. Through orchestrating discussions that allow the group to get to know each another and that identifies preferred methods of communication amongst members, relationships can form and a level of respect can be established. Due to these discussions, teams will also be able to approach each challenge head-on by assigning tasks to the appropriate person, and by sharing processes and procedures in a clear and concise manner for everyone involved.
Allows for Personal and Professional Development
For years, a key motivator for working individuals was income. Now, a shift has occurred where money is no longer the most important aspect that employees focus on. Studies have found that individuals are placing greater importance on achieving personal and professional development, and less on income. Through communicating their goals as well as what they would like to achieve within their positions, team members are identifying and sharing aspects of their work that matter most to them, allowing them to grow in their roles. If employees cannot express aspects of their job that motivate or drain them, they may be unable to find personal fulfillment at work and lose sight of their position within the company altogether.
Managers must also communicate with team members to show their support and encouragement in helping the individual develop their career. If these communication channels are not put in place, team members will feel unheard and unvalued.
Creates a Strong Work Culture
At TRAFFIX, we value discussion and work to establish clear communication channels within individual departments, as well as throughout the entire company. To encourage discussion, we hold group meetings daily. Our Administration Department meets for a fifteen-minute ‘huddle’ every morning to discuss challenges, express their views, or share experiences that will be of help to those who are present. We also welcome team members from other internal departments to join these meetings, if the discussion applies to their work. Our Customer Service and Brokerage teams meet to share how to best address specific situations, talk about any difficulties they may be facing, and to receive support, allowing them to approach their work with confidence. In addition, a Vice President will meet with our Fleet Operations team to discuss opportunities and challenges, establishing communication amongst team members.
In addition to participating in daily team meetings, we encourage collaboration and discussion in order to accomplish tasks, achieve goals and resolve dilemmas. We have also put in place an open door policy, where team members can meet with us and share any concerns they may have. Conversations amongst team members have helped to build relationships, identify and acknowledge specific skills and expertise, and have helped every person at TRAFFIX know that they are heard and that their opinion is valued! This has helped us build an incredibly strong workplace culture where stories can be shared, jokes can be told, and work can be completed to the highest degree.
Communication is key in creating a successful business that values its employees. To help team members excel in their individual roles, encourage open and respectful discussion. When a person feels valued and heard, they are able to succeed and grow.
