How to Improve Communication Amongst Team Members at Work

Working together can achieve better results.

For a team to function efficiently, it needs to be built on the foundation of clear, open and honest communication. This ranges from clearly communicating the objective to the team so that everyone knows what they are working towards, to sharing ideas and comments within a team environment. There are a number of ways in which effective communication can be nurtured within a team.

Instructions

1. 

   Mobile phones are a great way to keep in touch.

   Ensure that everyone in the team is given the contact details of all other team members, including email addresses and mobile phone numbers. This will ensure ease of communication.

2. 

   Schedule plenty of meeting time.

   Schedule plenty of time for team meetings to allow open and flowing communication without time restraints, and assign specific agenda items to each team member to allow everyone the chance to communicate.

3. 

   Training courses can improve skills.

   Encourage all team members to communicate openly and clearly with others in a trusting environment. If these skills are lacking, enroll the team in an effective communication course.

4. 

   A good manager should lead by example.

   Set an example by communicating clearly and listening to others if you are a manager or leader of the team,.

5. 

   Listening is just as important as speaking.

   Emphasize to the team the importance of listening as well as speaking when communicating in a team. Encourage the team members to ask questions to clarify uncertain points. This will ensure that the objective is clear in everyone's mind.

6. 

   Encouragement can motivate team members.

   Reward good teamwork and strong progress through praise and encouragement.

7. 

   Feedback gives a good indication as to progress.

   Encourage regular feedback from the team on how effective communication is within the team. This will identify areas where information is lacking and give team members an incentive to voice opinions and ideas.

8. 

   Conflict can cause problems in business.

   Discourage team members from losing their temper, even when conflicts arise. Inappropriate responses can lead to regret and an unwillingness to share information in the future.

9. 

   Each member of the team should be positive.

   Ensure that the team stays positive throughout the course of the project, as negativity can affect productivity.

Tips & Warnings

• Always show respect and courtesy to others in the team.

• You may wish to encourage good teamwork ethic and strong relationships between members by taking the group on a team-building activity.

• Unclear objectives can lead to poor results. Seek clarification on any ambiguous points as soon as possible.

• Never let bias or personal opinion get in the way of good communication.

References

• Conundrum Adventures: Top 10 Ways to Improve Communication Within the Team
• Team Building Information: 4 Simple Steps to Effective Communication Skills