Promoting Open Communication Between Workers and Managers

By: Together Abroad 06-03-2017 1:09 PM
Categories: ** HR Leaders Talk,

Many growing companies find themselves in a situation when there are clearly two (or more) different cultures within one firm, and no one has the slightest idea how it could have happened. Everyone agrees that it has surely to do with communication, or the lack of it, but no one seems to know how to fix it. When crucial information fails to be delivered between different departments, it does take its toll on your productivity and, inevitably, your bottom line and the growth you were so proud of. Here are some simple but efficient ideas on how to avoid a common start-up nightmare.

You will surely not be surprised to hear that communication is about connections between people. Therefore, to foster communication in your company, try to be always on a lookout for ways to build connections between people. Consider team outings, group lunches and open office layouts to bring people into contact. This should help you get rid of the “us vs. them” mentality.

Open communication should be a solid part of your company culture. Make it crystal clear to the new hires that open communication is desirable, mutual and expected. Soon, they will not only incorporate it into their working process, but also seek it in others. Just like with implementing any other principle into your company culture, make sure that the managers are leading by example. Employees’ willingness to be open is directly proportional to their managers’. Every act of idea sharing, suggestion-offering or concern-expressing should be met with respect and positive reinforcement.

If you do not have them yet, consider putting regular staff meetings in place. When done properly, staff meetings ensure that each employee is in alignment with the team, which consequently impacts the outcome of a project on hand. Employees with clear roles, responsibilities and deadlines are more productive and easy to hold accountable. As a complimentary tool, you might choose to issue a regular memo with information about current projects, deadlines, achievements and changes.

Some matters are in their nature not suitable for staff meetings. For those occasions when discipline, complaints, conflicts or compensation need to be discussed, you can set up one-on-one meetings between an employee and a manager. Moreover, one-on-one meetings offer employees the opportunity to privately discuss personal goals and objectives.

Have areal open door policy. Although often preached, it is hardly ever practiced. Because many managers focus on the open door part, they tend to forget the underlying condition of the open mind. One means nothing without the other, and so make sure that people are not only welcomed to voice their opinions, complaints and suggestions, but that they will also be actively heard and responded to with respect and honesty.

Quality communication requires certain degree of vulnerability on both sides, which can, and will, make people uncomfortable. But try to remind everyone that the reward is greater than the perceived danger. Because the real value of open communication is in that it gives everyone equal participation in the success of the business.


Veronika Bacova

Photo credit: Designed by Freepik

This article is restricted. You have to be logged in to be able to add further reactions.

For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.

Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager

Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.

A. Aboufirass | Structural Engeer

Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.

Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands

S. Bhattacharjee | FP&A Manager

If you are going to enlist the services of a "Career Coach" look no further. The only person you want in your corner is Linda van Orsouw. As an expat, you absolutely want to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who knows their way around the Dutch career/employment/job market. Linda assisted me in writing and positioning my CV, helped me organize and prioritize my list of opportunities, coached me through mock interviews and was there when I got offered a senior position only 2 months later. When asked I will only refer to Linda and "Togetherabroad".

Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant 

 

New item