Open the lines of communication
to engage and inform employees.
If you really focus on the
employees, keep them
engaged, listen to their concerns and, when warranted,
adjust a little bit, they stay
motivated, they stay engaged.
Keys to employee communication are all consistent with
the keys to all communication.
One, talk about what matters
most to the employees.
Whenever I interact with
employees, in a formal or
totally informal setting, I invite
the employee to ask questions.
I would rather talk about what
is on the employee’s mind than
what is on my mind.
Now, there is likely an agenda
or a motivation for the interaction, so I will deliver the desired
message but try never to close
without inviting questions.
Two is honesty. Employees
appreciate direct answers. Even
if the answer to a question or
request is no, it is better to give
them a direct response than to
try to escape with a vague, ‘We’ll
consider that,’ or, ‘Maybe,’ and
have the issue fester.
If something employees want
is simply not going to happen,
better to meet the issue head on
and try to end the discussion. Of
course, when the answer is yes,
you must make sure you follow
through on what has now
become a commitment.
Three, ‘why’ is often as important as the ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ When an
answer has to be no, it is worth
taking time to explain why a
negative answer is necessary.
Employees really do understand
the business more than some
leaders may realize.
Four, small groups work best.
If I have a choice — and often
there isn’t one — I prefer to talk
to employees in small groups.
Several informal discussions on
a regular basis are often far
more meaningful and controllable than one big meeting. Plus,
the employees really appreciate
the personal attention they feel
from such meetings.
Five is results. At the end of
the day, employees have a
great sense as to whether or
not leadership is making good decisions. They may not agree
with every decision, but if they
feel that leadership is moving
the organization in a good
direction for their future, then
communication becomes an
exchange of viewpoints and
explanation of direction.
Without good strategy and
leadership, the best communication possible will not be well
received by the employee population. Good communication
can reinforce a well-thought-out business plan, but without
the good plan, even great communication will be viewed as
ineffective and insincere.
