Clear communication is the backbone of any successful company. However, getting it wrong can lead all sorts of problems.
Poor communication can take on many forms, and might include:
- Badly worded emails which are misunderstood and result in a lack of action
- Poor communications systems which fail to deliver information to the right people
- Unproductive meetings which go off-topic
- Distracted managers and team leaders who fail to understand the problems their employees are facing
The are many effects of poor communication. Employees can lack an understanding of the expectations which can lead to negativity and poor performance. The likelihood is a lack of trust, absence and sickness, and low morale will follow, if this is not corrected.
Relationships can also suffer and can lead to a loss of feedback from the workforce. If leaders don’t step in to address the problem, it can get out of hand and the only way is downwards.
Poor communication is one of the most common performance management issues. Fortunately, there are systems that can be put in place to prevent this from happening.
Use a whole range of communication channels
Multi-channel communications give businesses the structure for a consistent communications strategy. Rather than focusing communication in one direction, they allow for the flow of information across a range of platforms including emails, SMS, in-app push notifications and of course face to face contact.
This is key for businesses who have adopted a hybrid model of working, with multi-channel communications in place, they can:
- Create more opportunities for dialogue/engagement
- Implement steps to confirm messages have been read and understood
- Reach employees wherever they’re working, including via phones if they’re on the road
- Personalise communications to bring them in line with company culture
- Gather information about the effectiveness of the communications strategy
- Set priorities and alerts for urgent messages
