Collaboration solutions in the workplace are necessary more than ever before because it saves time and effort for the entire team. Strong leaders need to know if their communication is causing barriers for the team. They will be respected as a leader who is able to give and most importantly receive constructive feedback.
Collaboration Solutions #1: Take the time to ask yourself:
- Am I the catalyst for more open and effective communication?
- Do my expressions convey respect in every way?
- Do I genuinely help others without getting in their way?
- Am I a role model to motivate the team during good times and challenging moments?
These questions will help you when and if your team is not open with you. I’d strongly suggest that you conduct a 360 with your team and direct reports. Give them a survey to fill out anonymously with the above questions. You will be able to uncover blind spots if they exist. When you do this exercise you can always email me with questions about the results at Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com
Collaboration Solutions#2: Explore your team’s openness with you
- Do they feel comfortable to give you constructive feedback?
- Is the environment open where people feel comfortable having tough conversations?
- Do they ask you for support when they are overwhelmed?
The answers will be telling if you are open to their comments. If no one gives you constructive feedback it may be time to have a meeting on the importance of having a 2-way conversation to improve processes and communications. If your environment is tense and people are not collaborating with each other you need to find out why. They need to find collaboration solutions if one department is stressed and another department is not as busy. Create a meeting and set the tone that it is necessary for an open dialogue. If no one talks that is an indication that trust is an issue and you need to speak to individuals to ask the tough questions. This isn’t easy to do and it’s important to let your team know that you need their support to move forward. Remember that some of your team may have had negative experiences with prior leaders. You need to express your expectations about having an open culture.
How have you built trust with your team? What challenges do you have with open communications?
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Until next time,
This is Joyce Weiss, Communication Strategist and Coach
You can start tackling tough conversations with bullies, different generations, and even narcissists once you learn the powerful strategies. I will do whatever it takes to help you improve your quality of life.
Feel free to call me (800.713.1926) concerning your own team/executive retreats, workshops, and on-line professional growth coaching.
Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!
See YOU Next Week.
PS I will let you know when we launch our new site. You will find new videos and resources on how to improve your work and home life. Stay tuned!
Glad that you decided to find out the answer which is…It Depends! Some bosses are open and welcome constructive feedback while others are so full of ego and don’t encourage an open dialogue. I just returned from presenting several workshops at the US Chamber Institute in Madison WI. It was a real privilege speaking with men and women who work in chambers or associations throughout the USA. 