Why Your Communication Flaws Are Secretly Demoralizing Your Team
How to sidestep these five blunders and unlock the secrets to boosting team morale.
Sometimes my words totally miss the mark.
It happens to the best of us.
Ever felt like your words just don’t land the way you want them to? Like they’re floating off into space, totally missing the mark?
Yeah, I’ve been there. Big time.
I remember this project meeting where I was spewing details like nobody’s business, thinking I’m all clear and concise. But then, bam!
I’m met with a bunch of confused faces looking back at me. Talk about a wake-up call. It hit me hard that talking to your team is a whole different ball game.
Now, let’s take a look into these five communication faux pas that are wreaking havoc on team morale and how to dodge them like a pro.
1. The Whole Clarity Mess
Ever played the telephone game? It’s hilarious, but not so much when it’s your team’s communication style. You start with something like “Boost sales by 20%,” and suddenly it’s “Raise snails by 20 feet.” Crazy, right?
So, here’s what you do:
Talk like a human: Cut out the fancy talk. If it sounds like you’re speaking in code, you’ve lost them.
Keep it simple: Got a big idea? Break it down into easy-to-chew pieces.
The “Got it?” Check: After you explain, ask if they’re with you. It’s like a quick reality check.
2. The Listening Void
Ever feel like you’re talking, but no one’s really listening? They’re just waiting to say their piece? That’s the listening black hole.
Here’s how to escape it:
Full focus: Put that phone down. No multitasking.
Really listen: Nod, ask questions, repeat stuff back. Show you’re really there, not just pretending.
Learn to listen: Think about a workshop on active listening. It’s a skill, trust me.
3. When Emotions Go Haywire
Mixing emotions and work? Tricky business. But emotional smarts? That’s your secret weapon. Without it, things get messy.
Here’s how to handle it:
Check yourself: Feel yourself heating up? Take a breather. Or ten.
Walk in their shoes: Try seeing things from their perspective. It changes everything.
Team EQ: Make emotional intelligence a team thing, not just a you thing.
4. The Tone and Gesture Glitch
Ever heard someone say “I’m fine” but their face screams “I’m not”? That’s tone and body language messing with you. Get it wrong, and it’s like sending mixed signals.
Here’s the fix:
Self-reflection: Watch your tone and facial expressions. They’re saying a lot.
More empathy: Meet aggression with understanding, not more heat.
Practice makes perfect: Try out different tones and gestures. It’s like acting class for work.
5. Starving for Feedback
Feedback’s like your morning coffee — essential. But some places? They’re on a feedback fast. Not good.
Here’s how to fix it:
Routine check-ins: Make feedback regular, not a shocker.
The good and the bad: Mix praise with constructive points.
Open doors: Make it a two-way street. Feedback shouldn’t be a one-man show.
To Wrap It Up
Being a communication pro isn’t just about talking; it’s about really connecting.
Dodge these traps, and you’re on your way to a team that’s buzzing with good vibes.
Remember, it’s not just about dodging arguments; it’s about building a solid foundation. For me, getting a grip on these communication tips has been a total game-changer.
It’s about trust, understanding, and a team that feels heard and valued.
So, grab these strategies and watch your team go from chaos to cool, calm, and collected.
Let’s chat effectively with our teams and lead them to greatness, one real, empathetic chat at a time!
Thank you for reading!
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