Effective Communications for a High-Performing Team

The National Communication Association wrote that “Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts.”

“Without clarity, communications becomes ambiguous and vague, with messages lacking definition or explicitness” ~ Sola Abulu.

In a business or organization, communication is a useful tool that enables high employee performance. This explains why communications in itself exists as a profession with over 12 competencies highlighting its importance in contributing to business/organizational growth. However, when people cannot generate meaning from what is said or demonstrated, such attempts can be described as ineffective communication. You will find this article on How to Develop an Internal Communications Strategy very useful.

There are many instances where communication is ineffective within teams in an organization which eventually affects the outcome of deliverables. A typical example is having to work with other team members on a task and after what seems like everyone is on the same page and instructions are well understood, at the point where the task is due, it then becomes evident that there was a clear communications gap and understanding was not achieved.

11 Effective Communication Tips for Collaborative/Team Tasks

• Self-awareness: How do you learn and receive information? This is the first thing because the problem in communication is not always only attributed to the team. Each team member must be self-aware before looking at the ongoings in the team. You must understand what your role and positioning in the team is. You should also outline your thoughts and how you intend to present them in a way that is not misconstrued. Self-awareness will also help you understand why you are in the team and what contributions are expected from you.
• Understanding the team: What are the strengths and weaknesses of stakeholders in a team? You can gain this information from observing the experiences you have had with each of the team members before this. This helps you understand people’s perspectives and their commonality of language to arrive at a shared understanding. When there is a disconnect in effective communication, it shows that the diversity of perspectives has found a common language of expression.
• Understand the personality and profiles: Is there a behaviour that is a threat in the team? How can this be managed? Also, where there is a behaviour that is a strength, how do you use this to strengthen communication? The weaknesses should not be left unaddressed. The Behaviour-Impact-Consequences feedback can be used to address weaknesses. This helps team members see the negative impacts of their behaviours, how these affect others and the consequences on the business politely and constructively.
• What is the way of working for the team?: You have to first understand your audience, how they think and what they believe to determine how you will work with them. This is where you utilize your knowledge of stakeholder engagement and management.
• What is the way of communicating?: It is clear that not everyone in an organization has the same grasp of things. Therefore, you can ask follow-up questions to test understanding and be sure that meaning has been achieved.
• Have commitment conversations: Don’t make the mistake of living things fluid. Let people know the delivery dates, who is doing what, when, how and why. People need to know why they need to get things done and be at their best.
• What does success look like?: Initiates conversations that shape people’s expectations and navigate the teams better. This brings the team back to the reason why they were created and what the achievements should be.
• What are the ground rules?: It is important to spell out ground rules, especially in very ineffective teams. This helps you take away unacceptable behaviours and ensure that things are formalized and no team member slacks. As a team member, you can suggest to the one who is saddled with the responsibility to lead the team the importance of having ground rules and observing them.
• Interdependencies: Let people know how important their tasks are and how others depend on it so they are fully aware and are up to speed in order not to slow down the team or agency.
• Review: This tip can be properly achieved when things have been properly documented from the start of the team.
• Highlight constructive behaviours and reward them. This encourages the team and makes it more effective.

Did you know that enrollment is now open for the 6th cohort of the SA&A CPDSO-Accredited Strategic Communications Course scheduled to hold online via ZOOM on FEB 27 2025, from 9AM – 4PM WAT.

This course is the theoretical foundation and practical guide for Corporate, Business, Organizational and Institutional Communications in every sector.

Promotional discounts for the 6th cohort are ongoing till Feb 12. Our 20% discount applies from Jan 14 – 27, 2025 while our 15% discount runs from Jan 28 – Feb 12, 2025. You should jump on it if you are looking to develop a communications strategy and plan from scratch with measurable results, develop an internal communications strategy and plan, manage stakeholders (internal and external) and reputation and enable a business or organization to achieve its targets through purposeful communication. Enrollment ends by midnight on Feb 25, 2025. Sign up here.

You can also sign up for the pre-recorded training to access this course on our learning portal available 24/7 to learners worldwide with limited access for 6 weeks maximum to complete the course and earn the certificate. Here is the link to our training brochure for your perusal.

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Sola Abulu & Associates is a strategy and communications consulting and training firm committed to enabling businesses, brands and organizations to achieve their objectives through strategic communications, organizational effectiveness and reputation risk management

Chat with us for more information on our courses.