Building Team Effectiveness Through Increased Communication

Building Team Effectiveness Through Increased Communication

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Some of the incorrect assumptions that may lead to miscommunication and finally group breakup.

Assumption that others are already aware of changes and problems

Unaware as regards which information is significant to share

Perception that they have limited opportunities to exchange information

Are reluctant to bring up problems for fear

Do not believe in that sharing information is part of the accountability they have to the team

Team members don't normally withhold information on purpose. Failure to share information is usually the result of not knowing what others need, or assuming what might happen if and when certain kinds of information are shared

Obviously avoidance of the above is needed to develop a fruitful communication that will not only improve team communication but also the outputs of the same.

Providing the necessary information to the team mates all that is required in their conduct is essential. If the information flow is not pertinent, it will eventually be ignored, and an informal scuttlebutt system will take over. However it is difficult to find an organization or business which failed solely because of lack of employee communication. Effective communication skills empower an individual to influence others in order to reach the desired goal. An individual with effective communication skills not just has an edge over others. But also carries out his/her job with a lot of confidence, ease and perfection.

Things that can help develop effective communication within the team.

Respect your fellow team members, irrespective of whether you are just a team member or a team leader.

Ensure that all the team members understand the project requirements thoroughly and know what the project targets are.

Have regular team meetings to understand the doubts and queries of every team member and provide solutions accordingly.

Inform them with the latest project updates or project issues.

Define the role and responsibility of every team member clearly to avoid confusion or un-necessary re-work.

Let everyone have their turn to speak and suggest, if you alone keep talking and ignore what others have to say.

Ask for feedbacks and suggestions from your team members.

Always be polite in your way of speaking and behavior.

Avoid using unpleasant words, expressions, giving out sensitive and confidential information while using the above modes of communication.

Display acknowledgement and appreciation through face to face interaction or electronic modes when a team member performs well. Just a pat on the back, a warm handshake or two lines of an appreciation mail can have a great impact to motivate a team member.

When appreciated or praised, thank the person in a polite and sophisticated manner. Avoid continuous rejoicing about your personal success. This might create an uncomfortable situation for your other team members.

Always have a friendly attitude towards each other. Help others in need and you will get back others’ help when you require the same.

Deal with tense situations with a calm mind. If words of any team member make you angry try to keep a cool head and put your point forward. Avoid using harsh words in return.

Avoid blaming others continuously when any work is not done. Instead, try to find out the root cause and see to it that it is not repeated in future.

Find out if any team member is facing any problem and have a discussion with him/her to address the issue. Speaking and constant interaction with each other always help in developing a healthy team spirit.

 
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