How to Improve Communication in Production Meetings

Improve communication for better workplace efficiency.

Communication is the key difference between low-performance and high-performance companies. Low communication means low knowledge of the overall strategy and weak commitment to its implementation. Executives in low-performance teams may tell their colleagues: "That's your problem. You solve it." By contrast, high-performance teams continually sprout ideas; everyone knows the overall strategy and assists in its implementation. Executives say to each other: "The problems belong to everyone. We all help solve them." Here are some ways to make sure the meeting runs smoothly and everyone is heard.

Instructions

1. Treat everyone equally. If you treat everyone the same way no matter what position they may hold in the company, you will encourage communication. Many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe that by creating these differences they'll be more respected, when really all they are promoting is fear. Hence, they are losing a lot of information that's relevant and valuable to their company.

2. Encourage everyone to contribute ideas to improve the company and value all of their comments. When someone in the company gives a negative critique, thank him publicly. In this way, you'll get your employees to share with you what is happening in the business and innovative ideas without fearing retaliation or anger.

   If in the end the company chooses not to pursue the proposal, make clear it is for business reasons so that the person in question does not draw his own conclusions. Tell him you also like the initiative and to be grateful that he continues to give his feedback.

3. Make your employees interact in the meeting without your intervention. It is a good way to detect possible tensions and resistances between them.

4. Organize the work of the week and clarify what you want, making sure everyone understands her role.

References

• The Total Communicator: Conducting Effective Meetings