Improving How We Connect: Strengthen and Streamline Communication in Your Company
When you are running a business, making sure you are on the same page as your team is more than just a chat. It’s about building connections that really stick and embracing the richness of a diverse team. Think of it like this: how we talk with each other sets the tone for everything else. And you know what they say, “You get back what you put out.” So, let’s make sure what we’re putting out there is warm, inviting and productive communication. And let’s learn to strengthen and streamline communication.
Understanding Everyone’s Unique Beat
Communication is like a dance. And everyone has their own unique rhythm. We all have our own way of hearing and speaking, from the words we use to the little gestures we make. It is important to remember that everyone’s got a role to play, and that role can really shape how we talk. From the corner office to the break room, recognizing each other’s communication style and ability is key.
In determining your team’s roles and responsibilities and in understanding how they communicate and how best for you to communicate with them, it is necessary to respect and value the diversity your team brings. And remember, diversity is more than the traditional categories of race, gender, ethnicity, etc. It is diversity of age, experience and perspective. When you appreciate what each person brings to a situation, you will find that communication is more productive, and relationships are stronger.
Finding Your Rhythm in Communication
Let’s think of communication styles like music with each track bringing its own vibe. Some folks are all about sharing the spotlight, while others might want to blend into the chorus. And you know what? That’s great! Being open and considerate to each person’s style of communication is where the magic happens.
It is also helpful to understand different styles of communication with both giving and receiving messages.
- Assertive Communication – Defined by a high openness of conversation and high consideration for others.
- Aggressive Communication – Defined by a high openness of conversation but a low consideration for others.
- Passive Communication – Defined by a low openness of conversation and a high consideration.
- Passive Aggressive Communication – Defined by a low openness of conversation and a low consideration for others.
Recognizing these differences assists in formulating a communication strategy that can adjust to diverse communication styles, as well as being self-reflective about how you communicate (and how you can improve!).
Getting to Know Your Crew
When it comes to producing the best and most productive work, knowing your crew inside and out is the name of the game. Research? Check. Active listening? Double-check. Asking questions? You bet! It’s all about tuning in to what makes each person tick, picking up on the little nods and winks that tell us we’re hitting the right notes. Here are the benefits of these strategies:
- Research helps you to tailor your message to your audience’s specific needs and interests.
- Active listening allows you to pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues in order to practice and understand your audience’s concerns, questions and feedback.
- Asking questions engages your audience by seeking their input and feedback. This can also help you to adjust your communication if needed.
- Repeat backs (repeating or paraphrasing what the other person just said) helps you to engage in active listening rather than preparing your response before it is your turn to speak. It also validates that you have understood the message being conveyed as it was intended.
Each of these tools helps you to curate your messages to your unique audience. They also help you adapt to different communication styles. As we touched on before, diverse audiences require diverse communication strategies, and it is essential to meet people where they are. Adapt your tone, language and messaging to resonate with different individuals or groups. Active listening helps you to adjust your communication technique based on feedback you receive from your audience. Having flexibility and adaptability are also key, in order to establish trust and rapport among diverse groups.
Crafting Messages That Resonate
Ensuring your message is understood by your audience requires knowing your objective, organizing your thoughts and using plain language. Define the purpose of your message to stay focused and avoid unnecessary details. Structure your message in a logical manner and use simple and straightforward language that is easy to understand.
Choosing the right communication channel is also essential to ensuring your message reaches its intended audience effectively. Is your audience more likely to respond to emails, phone calls, in-person meetings or digital messages? How urgent is your message? How complex is your message? Consider accessibility factors like language barriers, technological limitations and physical accessibility. Then, use feedback mechanisms to encourage interaction to foster dialogue and communication.
Sometimes a straightforward message like the paragraph above hits the right note for your audience. But what about something like this one for a more lively, casual atmosphere?
Now, let’s talk about messaging that really sings. It’s like writing a hit song—simple, catchy, and straight from the heart. We’re talking about messages that cut through the noise, getting straight to the point without losing that personal touch. And hey, picking the right channel? That’s like choosing the perfect venue for our gig—whether it’s a quick text or a face-to-face jam session.
So, there you have it—the secret sauce to making your communication pop. By keeping it real, staying tuned in, and jamming together, we’re not just talking—we’re grooving. And in a world where connections count, that’s music to our ears. Let’s keep the conversation going, and let the good vibes roll!
In other words, if you haven’t studied the effectiveness of the communication in your organization, take some time to talk to your team, solicit feedback and adapt communication styles and methodology to ensure you are putting out what you want to get back – good, positive communication, appreciation of everyone’s contributions and a strong working culture.
About FTS|Flexblue Staffing
Over the course of its eight years in operation, Flexicrew Technical Services (FTS|Flexblue Staffing) has established itself as an area—and nationwide—leader in professional staffing and recruiting services across a wide range of industries. Launched in 2015, FTS|Flexblue Staffing was created to meet a quickly growing demand for technical and professional staffing. A five-time honoree of INC. 5000’s list of fastest-growing companies in the U.S., FTS|Flexblue Staffing uses relevant industry expertise to pair qualified personnel with employers who will benefit from their talents, combining that custom-tailored service with their commitment to affecting positive change in the communities and businesses they serve.
FTS|Flexblue Staffing significantly enhanced its operational strength in 2023 with the acquisitions of TechServ and Reliant National Staffing. Based in New Orleans, TechServ specializes in providing highly skilled professional/technical, administrative/clerical, and trades/labor personnel across a range of industries. The acquisition of Reliant National Staffing, based in Deer Park, Texas, brought specialized expertise in the energy sector, further solidifying our position in the Gulf Coast region. These strategic additions have equipped FTS|Flexblue Staffing to deliver more comprehensive staffing solutions, improving our capacity to meet the evolving demands of our clients and strengthen long-term partnerships in the Gulf Coast and beyond.
FTS|Flexblue Staffing emphasizes specialized search solutions designed to meet the unique challenges of its valued client partners. Their industry-leading technical recruiters focus on providing exceptional candidates ranging from C-Level executives and mid-level professionals to early-career applicants as needed, whether on a direct-hire, contract or contract-to-hire basis. For more information about FTS|Flexblue Staffing, please visit flexicrewtech.com.
Media Contact: Sierra Davis
Phone: 504-500-3539 (FLEX)
Email: info@flexicrewtech.com