Just like offices, communication needs to be open as well. What does that mean? For starters, no hidden agendas and share more than ‘the bare minimum’ of confidential information with everyone.
The more open the communication is across individuals and departments, the more trust that will be built within the company and its teams. Since these steps are an effort and fostering real communication, let’s discuss what staying “positive and open” means for achieving that end.
Communication has to flow top–down, bottom–up, and between peers and business areas, but it’s not always easy to make this happen. However, one of the most effective ways I’ve been able to maintain this flow of communication is to have an “open door policy.” In fact get rid of the freaking door, we know you’re watching porn.
Even though technically, if you have no walls, you won’t have doors, the phrase encapsulates the approach all leaders should take to fielding people’s thoughts and concerns. It shows everyone that leaders are willing to grab some time to listen to the concerns, fears, frustrations and ideas that are percolating throughout your organization.
“Town hall” style meetings also helps with the flow of communication to large numbers of people and back to you. These communication extravaganzas can be set up as an open forum, usually with a few beers being passed around to get people relaxed, and they allow for a top-down, bottom-up flow of information.
Most importantly, leaders have to walk the walk here—you have to be prepared to show people you’re working to resolve issues, or shine a spotlight on the areas that need one. That’s what it means to lead.
Fostering outstanding communication in your company need not be relegated to large-scale efforts like tearing down walls and having town hall style meetings. One of the most impactful things we did at 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and then later at companies I mentored and coach like I Love Rewards & Nurse Next Door to foster great communication is running the “daily huddle”
The power of sharing good news each day, the key numbers, missing systems and getting updates from different business areas really allowed everyone to get on and stay on the same page. Everyone knew what everyone else was doing, and why it was important.
Stop surfing porn, and get rid of your doors.
pic Cartoon Stock
For more information on this topic, check out: Building a World Class Culture.