One of the most important skills for a manager is communication. We know it’s not always easy as managers are often busy “managing”. The best managers out there communicate well and often.
Are you or some of the managers in your company struggling with communication? We often expect it to be an innate skill. But communication skills can definitely be learnt and practised.
At direction, we really want to help you be the manager you want to be so here are a few ideas to get you started on your journey to become a better communicator. If you’re a CEO or an HR manager, feel free to copy these tips into an email to the managers in your organisation, or include them in an internal newsletter (credit: direction – www.direction.org.uk).
1- Understand the different communications styles
Everyone has a different style when it comes to communication. It’s essential that you spend time figuring out which style your team members use. The 5 main styles are assertive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, submissive and manipulative. Once you’ve spotted each person’s styles, it will be easier to understand what they are trying to say and how they are approaching a situation. You’ll be in a much better position to communicate with them. Always remember that you lead by example, so try to keep your communication as assertive as possible.
2- Practice active listening
Many of us spend most of our “listening time” thinking about what we’re going to say back and rehearsing in our heads. Active listening means that you are listening fully, without thinking about what you’re going to reply. When you’re fully concentrated, you will often pick up on non verbal clues that you would have otherwise missed. People will always appreciate your full attention. Sometimes, employees chose what feels like the worst time to talk. If this is the case, remember to put your assertive hat on and explain in a friendly manner that you really want to hear them out and give them your full attention but that you aren’t able to do that at that specific moment. Schedule another time to speak with them, when you can be fully present.
3- Aim for clarity
When you’re talking to your team, be it by email or in person, always aim to be clear. It seems obvious but a lot of managers choose to be vague when they are unsure. Employees like knowing what’s going on and like to know where they stand. It keeps them engaged and makes them feel valued. And that includes telling them that you’re unsure of what’s going on. There’s nothing worse for staff morale than an email or chat full of waffle. Remember you are communicating to be understood. Steer clear from sugar coating information and concentrate on clarity.
Practising each of these every day will take your management skills to the next level. It will help improve your team’s morale and their performance. It also has the added benefit of encouraging your team to be great communicators too!
As professional communicators at direction, we can help you build skills from assertiveness and listing to dealing with conflict. Please feel free to ask for information on our Management Development Training Course. It’s a course with separate yet connected half-day modules that is tailored to meet your and your colleagues needs. Get in touch at enquiries@direction.org.uk.