​3 Simple Steps to Better Employee Communication

VirtualHRPros.com
Author: Bill Vogel, PHR

Managing people is not an easy undertaking. No two personalities are the same. In fact, it seems everyone brings a different characteristic into the workplace that sometimes leads to conflict. Leaders with direct reports must understand how to identify personality types and adjust their communication accordingly to keep employees engaged and productive.
 
There are many studies and theories on understanding personalities, but managers and supervisors can begin understanding employees by implementing these three easy steps towards improving communication:
 

1. One-On-One Meetings
2. Group Meetings
3. Approachability

 
Schedule face-to-face meetings with each direct report at least one every month. Give these meetings an open-minded title such as Feedback Sessions or Brainstorming. I refer to one-on-one meetings as 30/30 Meetings, which means we meet for at least 30 minutes every 30 days. Another use for these meetings is evaluating performance because the annual performance review has become ineffective.  
 
Schedule group meetings at least once a month to develop and review group action items. Most jobs require workers to complete tasks so that another person can then complete his or her tasks, these are the action items the group can discuss for improvement. During group meetings, you might find that during these discussions employees communicate differently than they do during one-on-meetings. This can be helpful toward thoroughly understanding different personalities. 

Lastly, without approachability, attempts at improving communication with direct reports will likely fail. A perpetually closed door, short responses to questions, inaccessibility or other similar signals create communication barriers. Make sure direct reports know that they have unrestricted access to you during day-to-day operations.
 
As always, get help from a qualified HR Professional if you think your business is at risk, or needs help developing policies, procedures, and training courses help with workplace compliance requirements.