I’m about be a huge exaggerator. Here’s the truth: Communication problems are the root cause of most workplace problems. This is supported by hard research and data. Accountemps states that withholding information from employees is “the most common management error.” According to the Clear Company, 86% employees and executives blame “lack of cooperation or ineffective communication” for their work problems. High levels of employee turnover are less likely to be caused by businesses that have excellent communication practices. Communication problems can lead to customer service issues, absenteism, management frustrations, litigation, and injuries.
Poor communication can have a negative impact on the bottom line of a business. Let’s just say “ouch!” What’s the obvious conclusion from this list of mind-numbing statistics and facts?
Communicate better
Here are some practical ways I can help you do this. Let me start by saying that I want this article to be personal. Let’s talk about a workplace frustration that you have experienced. Perhaps it was a recent one. Perhaps one from the distant past. Did you get it?
Okay. Is there any workplace problem that could be attributed to communication? I don’t know what your workplace frustration was or was like, but I can guess that communication was a part.
Over the course my career, I have held many jobs. These jobs have been remote for the past seven years. One simple solution would have solved all my problems, even those in remote work: Better communication.
Communication is often better than communication. There are many phrases you can use and questions you can ask, but the core of communication must be greater. It is better to communicate more.
Here are some ways you can improve communication without annoying everyone.
Keep your meetings short and frequent.
Meetings are often a waste of time. 63% of meetings are held without a plan. (Gasp!) 73% of attendees are doing something different during the meeting. (Candy Crush Saga anyone?)
The United States spends $37 billion annually on unnecessary meetings. (Stay on the floor and continue reading.)
This article is about communication. But please don’t misunderstand. I am not suggesting that you have ineffective meetings. Meetings are, I reluctantly admit, a necessary evil. (Emphasis on evil. Because they are essential, keep them short.
Here’s how it works.
A daily standup meeting should be held. The Journal of Applied Psychology states that standing up for the duration of a meeting can reduce meeting time by 35%.
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According to reports, both Apple and Google live by the stand-up meeting. Others refer to it as a “scrum”. This meeting is an integral part of agile management practices.
While the standup can have its pitfalls, it is a great way for everyone to get the ball rolling over communication without wasting their time.
During the meeting, plank. This is a great opportunity for young startups and hardcore entrepreneurs. Plank.
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This is not a prayer group. It is a Gravity plank meeting. Dan Price is the man with the beard.
Do jumping jacks with everyone while Dogbert pelts each of you with office supplies.
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Okay, never mind. We’ll just walk it off.
Take one-on-1 walks
Here’s how it works.
One employee and the boss go on a walk together.
It happens once per week.
The “agenda”, as it is called, is open-ended and loose.
The goal is to communicate frequently and have casual interactions.
Side benefit: Exercise and happiness.
These walking meetings are also known as the “walk and speak”
My first exposure to the walk and talk was in my first real job. I was under the direct supervision a former Vice President of a Fortune 500 Company. He was one of my most influential business mentors.
He stood up one time from his desk and walked over to mine and said, “Come on. Let’s go.” I thought, “This is w!”
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