“People don’t quit bad companies, they quit bad managers.” – American Management Association
One of the most difficult things to master is communication. If you are a manager or supervisor, communication skills are a must. If you’re making New Years’ Resolutions this year, consider adding a resolve to improve your communication skills. Your employees will thank you for it – and what’s good for your employees is good for you.
Communication Skills You Must Have
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management lists several competencies that managers should have to be considered effective communicators. Good communicators must
- establish strong working relationships with employees,
- promote easy access to information and feedback,
- promote employee involvement in planning and development activities, and
- recognize and praise top performers.
Improve Working Relationships
Spend time with your individual employees. Make sure each person in your team understands their role – what they are expected to do, and why it is important. Ask them questions, and take their opinions seriously. In short, make sure to treat your employees like people when communicating with them.
Improve Access to Information and Feedback
Routine conversations about performance will help your employees progress. Make sure that you don’t just list things they need to work on, but complement them on what they’ve done well. And help them set goals for the future, so they know what they need to work on.
Improve Employee Involvement
Remember that communication is not just about what you say; it’s about listening to the other person, as well. So listen to what your employees have to say. During the performance reviews mentioned above, ask them their opinions both on their own performance, and yours as a manager.
Improve Recognition and Praise
Praise is a great motivator; employees appreciate a manager who can offer recognition for a job well done. Deliver specific, sincere praise in an open, public way. Consider an incentive program for rewarding employees who reach specific performance goals.
Good Communication Makes a Great Workplace
Do you want to help make your office one of the best places to work in Atlanta? Start by working on your communication skills, and subscribe to the Staffing Resources blog feed to keep up to date on more best business practices.
