Effective Communication
On this episode, Jody and Meghan discuss how to effectively communicate and listen to each other through:
Nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, posture, body language, etc.
Various communication channels, whether that means in person, written, or through another person
Being intentional about how you say something and not just what you say
Incorporating active listening skills during meetings, casual conversations, and the like
Setting clear expectations about how you want people to communicate and when it is appropriate
Quick Summary:
There are different mediums of communication, so you must choose the medium that is most appropriate for the context of your message, and be intentional about how it is delivered. If you are passing along the information through layers of people, your message can change. This highlights the importance of regular and clear communication to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Set clear expectations for your people when assigning tasks, scheduling one-on-ones, planning meetings, etc. In order to communicate effectively, you must also know how to listen effectively. Be receptive to feedback from your people, and make adjustments in your communication style when necessary.
The five deadliest words in time management… “Have you got a minute?” On average, interruptions consume about 28% of the workday, and it can take even longer to regain focus. Although an open-door policy seems like a good idea for employees to communicate with you, it is much more effective to schedule out a time when they can approach you. If you don't set boundaries for when people can discuss things with you, you will quickly run out of time throughout the day to do actual work.
For more information about the material that Jody and Meghan discussed, you can reference Chapter 4 of "Yay! I'm a Supervisor! Now What?" by Jody Holland.
Thanks for tuning in, and please feel free to drop any leadership or management topic suggestions in the comments. Become the kind of leader you would follow!
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