Building a Strong Team through Effective Communication

Posted in Communication, Hiring, HR Tips, Training & Development

While facilitating a training workshop on building an effective team it became even more clear that communication is key to building a strong team.  Establishing strong communication practices with your employees at the start of the employment relationship will help to create a shared sense of purpose and ensure everyone is working towards the same goals.

Here are a couple of ways to ensure you are communicating effectively with your team:

Communicate roles and responsibilities. Ensure every team member understands their roles and responsibilities and how they contribute to the team’s overall goal(s). If you have several teams in your organization, ensure each team understands its goal(s) and how they contribute to the organization’s overall success.

• Take time to ensure each employee understands their job description as well as the organization’s policies, procedures and service standards. Remember to let new employees know when they will receive their first formal performance review.
• Make sure employees receive the training they need to do their job to the best of their ability.  This includes training on soft skills such as customer service and communication as well as hard skills training such as using the organization’s tools & technology and safety in the workplace.
• If possible, pair a new employee with an experienced team member who can act as a mentor and help the new employee learn about the job and the culture of the organization.

Allow for two-way communication. Agree on communication tools that allow team members to stay informed, engaged and connected at all times.  Also provide them with opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback.

• Depending on the nature, size and structure of your organization you may use a variety of tools to communicate with your employees.
• While face to face communication is often the most effective approach, you may also use email, newsletters, intranet, notice boards and social media.

Be accessible. Allow for formal and informal opportunities to connect with your team.

• Let employees know that you are available to support them.
• Communicate when you are in the workplace and who is covering for you when you are not available.
• Schedule regular team meetings and/or one-on-one meetings with team members.
• Informal opportunities to connect are equally important to building a high performing team. Check in with team members on an impromptu basis, listen to how they feel about their job and learn about what interests them outside of work.

Remember: Effective communication is the foundation for creating a high performing team.