Ways to improve communication in your small business

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

By Brooke Chaplan

If the word communication is a meaningless buzzword in your vocabulary, then it is time for a shift in perspective. Comprehending other people and articulating your own thoughts is an essential leadership skill in any field. There are plenty of ways to improve communication habits and protocols to improve efficiency in a small business. Continue reading below for some tips on how to improve your communication among your small business employees.

Have clarity and purpose

One of the most common communication mistakes business leaders make is not making themselves clear. Instructions or expectations need to be expressed clearly so there is no room for interpretation of the things that really matter. Clarity involves some amount of complexity, which is why you also need to be purposeful. Do not say more than you need to. There will be more opportunities to talk, instruct and converse, so stay on topic. If you add in more information than what is needed it might cause your employees to get more confused about the task at hand or forget a very important step.

Use technology appropriately

Technology is obviously central to business communications, but it can also be an impediment. Companies need to stay current with their technology, but it is not affordable or reasonable to jump on every single new wave that comes through. Pick and choose the appropriate technology for communications and stick with it for a while. Invest time into learning how to use it to the fullest and train employees to do the same. If all of the employees are on the same page and know how to fully use the technology then there will be less confusion involved.

Leadership development

Leaders need to be developed. That is why there are comprehensive and personalized programs, like those offered by Synthesis Leader, to help leaders mature. Taking your leadership skills to the next level usually means working on the basics, including communication skills. Effective leaders need to be able to express themselves in writing, in conversation, and when delivering speeches. They also need to know when to sit down and listen to others. A leader who does not listen will discourage people from speaking up and voicing their concerns when a problem arises.

Demonstrate by doing

Words mean little if your actions do not support them. Trying to get employees to be less wasteful or more attentive to their tasks while at work will not mean much if the boss does not do the same. Verbal communication is necessary for almost any job, but it is not the only kind that matters. The way leaders express themselves through their attitudes and behaviors can be just as influential on the trajectory of the company.

Leaders seeking to improve their company’s communications should expect a little failure before finding success. Trial and error is a natural part of improvement. The important thing is to maintain focus on the goal and use data to guide your strategies as much as possible on your way. Also, remember the tips listed above and your business should be on the same page and have less room for error when communicating.

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Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

 

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