Lack of a single, centralized source of official information:
It's essential to have a designated platform or repository for storing and disseminating official information. This could be a company intranet, a shared drive, or a dedicated communication channel. This ensures that everyone has access to the same information, eliminating confusion and miscommunication.
Lack of emphasis on announced changes:
When implementing changes, it's crucial to communicate the new process or initiative. This could involve sending out an email with a summary of the change, creating a dedicated landing page with detailed information, or scheduling and recording a meeting to explain the change in detail.
Language riddled with abbreviations:
Abbreviations can be confusing for newcomers and those unfamiliar with the company's internal lingo. To ensure clear communication, avoid using abbreviations in official communication, emails, meeting agendas, and manuals. Instead, spell out the full terms for a more inclusive and understandable experience.
Lack of explanation for changes:
Explaining the "why" behind changes helps employees understand the rationale behind the shift and fosters a sense of ownership in the process. Communicate the reasons for the change, the goals it aims to achieve, and any benefits for team members.
Passing announcements solely verbally:
In a remote or hybrid work environment, verbal announcements can easily be missed or misinterpreted. To ensure everyone is informed, communicate announcements in writing through emails, company announcements, or shared channels.
Meeting invitations without agendas or unclear agendas:
Unclear meeting agendas lead to confusion and wasted time. To avoid this, provide detailed agendas for all meetings, outlining the purpose of the meeting, the topics to be discussed, and action items to be addressed. This helps participants prepare effectively and contributes to productive meetings.
Excessive number of meetings:
While meetings can be valuable for collaboration and information sharing, too many meetings can disrupt workflow and overwhelm employees. Assess the need for each meeting and consider combining or eliminating those that are less essential.
Information overload and constant changes:
When bombarded with constant information and changes, employees can feel overwhelmed and disengaged. To manage this, provide clear communication schedules, prioritize important announcements, and allow employees to ask questions and clarify information.
Lack of data collection and feedback:
Before and after implementing changes, it's beneficial to collect data and feedback from employees to assess the impact and identify areas for improvement. This feedback can help refine changes and ensure they are effective and well-received.
Active listening issues:
Active listening involves giving the speaker your full attention, taking notes, and asking clarifying questions. Effective active listening ensures that everyone's contributions are valued and understood. Encourage open communication and foster a culture of respectful listening.
Worth reading https://www.brosix.com/blog/communication-challenges/
Communication plan: https://whiteboards.io/blog/effective-communication-plan-for-project-management/
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/effective-communication-better-project-management-6480