Clear and Open Communication

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The importance of fostering an environment of clear and open communication as a manager or leader can never overstated. The effectiveness of your leadership is tied directly to the relationship you have with your coworkers and the information at your disposal; if either is lacking, you won't get far as a team. In such an environment, team members should feel comfortable discussing complications and seeking help without fear of judgment or repercussions. This mindset, that there’s no shame in asking for help, is foundational. While, of course, everyone needs to strive towards solving their own issues eventually, the key is in knowing that the support is always there when needed.

Imagine a situation where an employee is struggling with a complex aspect of their job but feels they are unable to ask for guidance. This hesitation often comes from fear of being perceived as incompetent or facing negative consequences. As a manager, it's your responsibility to not only recognise which of your team members may be experiencing this but also to dismantle this fear by fostering a judgment-free environment. You can do this by practicing what you preach, show them that asking for clarification or guidance is a sign of strength and wisdom, not weakness. This openness prevents misunderstandings and promotes a more efficient and cohesive working environment.

It's important to lead by example, demonstrate transparency in your communication and an ownership of your capabilities. Share your own challenges and how you overcome them or seek help. This sets a precedent that seeking assistance is a normal part of the problem solving process. As the leader you must also recognise who on your team is more likely to keep their struggles to themselves, for those people its important to regularly check in and make sure that they are managing their tasks well. Even if they do not need the assistance offering a hand will always be appreciated and eventually may even lead to them approaching you themselves because they know you are there for them. It shows your team you are actively invested in their success and well being.

When I was working with developers I always used to say to them “don't tell me what you think I want to hear, tell me how it really is”. When it came to timelines for when certain sprints would be completed they had a tendency to give a more optimistic deadline for when they would be done with their work. This would then impact the marketing and sales teams as certain features we needed to demo would not be ready in time. In the beginning the developers believed that they would be chastised if they took longer for certain features. I called a meeting and explained to them; I do not have a coding background, therefore cannot check their progress (it just looks like something out of the matrix to me) and because of that I consider it vital that they provide me with more realistic timelines of when certain sprints will be completed. After a few weeks they were more organised, knew the pace at which they could work and were therefore able to provide me with more accurate timelines. The more accurate your information the better you can plan.

Certain factors such as culture and physical working environment may effect how one needs to act or put under consideration when establishing clear and open communication need to be considered as they will effect how each member of your team will react. If you are working remotely, it may be a good idea to schedule (not too frequent) one-on-ones with members of your team and check in on them. In the office you could just swing by their work station and just ask them how they're doing (just don't do it too often as not to seem overbearing). As far as culture is concerned, it should be noted that western cultures tend to be more open in face to face conversations as opposed to eastern cultures which tend to be more open over online messaging. When performing check ins on your team you should act according to these cultural and environmental considerations.

In essence, clear and open communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership and a thriving team. It’s about creating a space where employees feel valued and supported, and where asking for help is seen as a path to growth, not a sign of weakness. By leading with transparency, recognising individual needs, and adapting to both cultural and environmental nuances, you foster an atmosphere where every team member can better themselves. When communication flows freely, misunderstandings diminish, trust builds, and collaboration thrives. As a manager, your role is to set this tone, to be the bridge that connects diverse talents and perspectives. By doing so, you pave the way for a resilient and cohesive team that is not only equipped to handle challenges but also poised to seize opportunities. Remember, the success of your leadership and your team hinges on how well you can listen, communicate, and connect. So, cement that open dialogue, and watch your team soar to new heights.