One of the biggest concerns expressed by employees is, “We need better communication.”

I think getting your team to communicate is one of the biggest challenges leaders face.

As leaders, we are not sure what better communication specifically looks like, or how do we achieve it. I will be honest, this has been a struggle for me in my leadership. 

I have instituted newsletters and calendars for the employees.

I started more meetings to get information out.

I even encourage daily “huddles” for discussion.

However, there has not been huge results. I still hear, we need better communication.

Discover Constant Communication

I began diving into the concept of communication this year.

I discovered, the employees need constant communication to achieve. I am not saying the newsletters, calendars, meetings or huddles are  bad. But, what employees really want is constant communication.

So you are probably thinking, What is constant communication?

It is people:

• Constantly talking
• Checking up with one another
• Supporting one another
• And giving positive affirmations all day long.

So, it may look like a morning huddle with the team to discuss the days events, goals, and challenges.

• Then throughout the day, it is checking up on each other asking: 
  “How are you doing?”
  “What can I help you with?”
  “I need some assistance with… Can you help?”
  “You are doing a great job.”

Talk The Game

The show “Earn Everything” featuring the 2018-2019 Duke Basketball team, highlights the teams preparation for the season and producing a winning team.

Let me take a moment to share with you- I LOVE Coach K and Duke Basketball! You can check out two of his inspiring books: Beyond Basketball and Leading With The Heart. 

I count down to the start of season. I celebrate the game opener by breaking out a dance to “Devil With A Blue Dress.” It is a big day in the Smalley House.

On the top of my bucket list, sits meeting Coach K. (Coach K- If you are reading this, I can’t wait to meet you!) He is not only the Winningest Coach in Basketball, he is an amazing example of a leader building a culture of team and winning.

Okay, back to my point. The show displays how the coaches and players communicate during the opening season training. The coaches push the players to constantly communicate as they are exhibiting constant communication themselves.

Since talking to people and cheering people on are my two favorite things, this was right up my alley. So, I perked up!

Coach K calls constant communication, “talking the game.” His expectation is that they guys talk loud and play hard.

I know you what you are thinking, Melissa, I do not have time to communicate with every employee constantly- and come on- this is basketball.

You are also saying, I am not or my employees are not going to be comfortable with this.

I understand, but as a leader, you have to get off your comfy chair and become uncomfortable to lead. Also, I am not saying – you and you alone need to do this. It is a team concept. So, let me share with you what this realistically looks like.

These are the 5 ways constant communication builds a winning team.

1. Build a culture of constant communication. It is important as leaders, you are noting how important constant communication is to the team. You must also display this as the leader to guide by example. So, if you are working with the team, you are constantly talking with them, coaching, questioning, and checking in.
2. Positive communication and cheering on the team. I believe positive talk within a team, builds everyone. This may feel awkward to you or the team at first, but speaking to one another in encouragement, produces results. Simple thank you’s for working through an issue. Congratulating one another on the great work on a project. High fives after getting through the day.
3. Encourage the players to talk to one another the entire day. The positive communication should not just come from the leaders, but from the players on the team. This can sound like, “Thanks so much for your help with the client this morning. “I enjoy working with you.” Or, “You did a good job with that customer.”
4. Take time to have one on one time with your team. One on one discussion are so valuable. I cannot stress enough how important this is. It is a perfect opportunity to talk about individual issues, individual development, goals, results, and build a relationship. Your employees appreciate the time you spend with them individually.
5. Opening communicate with the team by asking questions. As a leader, you have to ask questions to grow and improve results. Asking questions like:

“What did we learn?”
“What can we do better?”
“What is going well?”

“How can we improve?”

Constant Communication In Action

In the show, “Earn Everything,” the Duke coaches and players were yelling things like “Knees up. Knees up.” “Let’s go Duke.” “C’mon Duke.” And that was just the warm up.

Then as they were running drills, you heard, “Keep it up.” “Move. Move. Move.” “Push it.”

Next, this extended to the game. “I got it.” “Right here.” “C’mon Zion.” “Great job R. J.”

In personal coaching sessions, the Duke coaches discuss how important it is to talk and communicate constantly. This is an expectation by the team. It is encouraged, even when players are not comfortable. One of the players said, “you have to be outside yourself.”

When employees are complaining there is not enough communication, what they are seeking is constant communication. I encourage you to start these steps and produce a culture of communication today.

What step will you begin with your team to promote constant communication?

Share with other women to help us grow to become more!

Cheers!

Melissa