You might have an adverse reaction to the thought of “over communicating.” After all, your perception might be of a constant stream of annoying emails or condescension. But that’s not what I’m talking about here!
For those in leadership roles, over communicating isn’t just recommended – it’s essential. Here are some reasons why it’s just good business sense.
10 Reasons Leaders Must Over Communicate
Reason #1 – It keeps things clear.
Over communication helps in ensuring that the message is clear and easily understandable. The repetition and reinforcement of critical information prevent misunderstandings and confusion among team members. You know what they say about assumptions! Don’t make the mistake of thinking a one-time email or meeting is enough. Keep reiterating vital details.
Reason #2 – It keeps your goals aligned.
Business leaders often have specific goals and objectives in mind. You have a vision. Over communicating these goals helps in aligning the entire team toward a common goal. It ensures everyone understands the team’s priorities and works towards the same objectives. This keeps people committed for the long haul.
Reason #3 – It builds trust.
There’s nothing worse than feeling left in the dark. Transparent and open communication fosters trust within a team. When leaders consistently share information, updates, and insights, it creates an environment of trust and transparency. Employees feel more confident in their leaders when they are kept informed.
Reason #4 – It eliminates uncertainty.
Uncertainty can lead to anxiety and decreased productivity. If people don’t understand what they need to do or company standards and expectations, how can they possibly do their job well? Over communication curbs uncertainty by providing regular updates and addressing questions promptly. This helps in creating a more stable and positive work environment.
Reason #5 – It enhances team engagement.
Regular communication keeps employees engaged and involved in the organization’s activities. When leaders share the big picture, successes, and challenges, it creates a sense of belonging and purpose among team members. You trust your team to be self-directed, but you provide them with context and purpose through close communication.
Reason #6 – It promotes adaptability.
In a dynamic business environment, change is constant. Over communication prepares the team for changes by providing timely updates and explanations. It enables employees to adapt quickly to new situations, procedures, and tools. Change is always hard, but carefully and consistently providing explanations and instructions alleviates much of the challenge.
Reason #7 – It encourages feedback.
Over communication creates an open channel for feedback. Leaders who communicate frequently are more likely to receive valuable input from their team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. If you shut yourself off and rarely talk to your team, they won’t feel they can approach you.
Reason #8 – It motivates and inspires.
Effective communication from leaders can inspire and motivate employees. Leaders boost morale and encourage a positive work atmosphere by sharing the company’s achievements, recognizing individual and team efforts, and expressing appreciation. Help your team know that what they do makes a difference. It’s easy to feel like work is a Sisyphean task – pushing the boulder up the hill for all eternity – but communication helps establish end goals and the value of individual work.
Reason #9 – It keeps everyone calm in a crisis.
In times of crisis, over communication becomes crucial. Leaders must keep the team informed about the situation, actions taken, and plans for the future. This helps in managing fear and uncertainty during challenging times. As the captain of the ship, leading your crew well keeps the boat from sinking!
Reason #10 – It promotes a learning culture.
Over communication can also involve sharing insights, industry trends, and knowledge. This promotes a learning culture within the organization, where employees are encouraged to stay informed and continuously develop their skills. Complacency kills innovation. The more you can inspire continuous learning, the more your team will be on the cutting edge of your industry.
While over communication is beneficial, leaders must strike a balance and avoid overwhelming the team with unnecessary information. The key is to provide relevant, timely, and clear communication that aligns with the organization’s goals and values.
Here are a few tips for effective over communication:
Tip #1 – Encourage Conversation
Communication is a two-way street. Encourage questions, critique, and conversations. Don’t consider this a “my word is law” situation. You want to foster a culture that values feedback, good and bad.
Tip #2 – Utilize Multiple Strategies
Different people have different learning styles and ways of retaining information. Use various platforms – email, chat programs, memos, etc. – to dispense information. Try to get it in writing, spoken word, and visual forms. Use graphs and charts. Reiterate meeting notes with a write-up.
Tip #3 – Give Context
Finally, give your team the “why.” Explain the context and the thought process behind decision-making, strategies, and changes. This transparency emphasizes that your leadership is thought out and intentional – not arbitrary!
When in your life have you had to solve a problem with communication? Share your takeaways in the comments.