Too many organizations practice a culture of silence where leaders
and employees are reluctant or afraid to speak their minds. The consequences
can range from a loss of productivity because good ideas for improvement go
unexpressed to even a loss of human lives because no one at GM dared talk about
ignition switch defects.
Don’t let your company suffer from a lack of open communication.
The gaps almost always get filled in with rumors and falsehoods that are more
harmful than the truth. Here is how to
cultivate an organizational culture where employees feel safe offering their
opinions and thoughts:
1.
Encourage
open discussion. Show that you welcome new ideas by asking for them and by
remaining non-judgmental as you hear them. Maintain an open door policy so that
you are available and approachable. Then
do something with the good ideas and publicize the results.
2.
Listen
carefully and seek first to understand. Don’t offer your own thoughts until
you have fully understood the speaker’s point. Be curious and ask, don’t tell. Read
between the lines and strive to get to the essence of what they are
saying. As boss, you could quickly stifle
the sharing of ideas if you jump in or firehose the idea too early.
3.
Have
faith in your employees. If you have hired well, they will be your best
source for new and improved ways of handling the day-to-day business. Give them
the benefit of the doubt and take advantage of what they have to offer.
4.
Beware of
early conclusions. Take the time to assess what has been said and look for
input from others before sharing your response.
Learn more at: http://www.lsaglobal.com/communication-skills-training/
