7 tips to avoid poor communication at work
Poor communication is costly. It leads to misunderstandings, delays, frustration and mistakes.
It creates uncertainty in the team and eats away at relationships.
If you're tired of messages not getting through, tasks falling through the cracks, and conflicts never being resolved properly – here are 7 things you need to start doing now to avoid more clutter and wasted time.
Don't use the wrong channel
How often have you sent an email that was never read, or written in chat when it should have been taken verbally?
The wrong platform kills your message. Stop and think – should this really be sent as a task to the service desk instead?
Open and honest cooperation
It's no use "talking together" if no one dares to say what they really mean.
Not even if you are unable to talk to each other in a constructive way.
Open and honest collaboration builds strong teams. Learn the balance between communicating openly and honestly, while also handling disagreements in a constructive way that benefits both parties.
Is it important? Face it face to face
When a conversation is important, it's best to meet face to face or via video. Eye contact and body language can speak louder than words.
Teams messages and email threads can make matters worse and are easily misinterpreted by the recipient.
Your body language can sabotage you
Your body language can say a lot, even when you're not speaking.
Avoid closed poses.
Make sure your tone and body language match what you are trying to say so there are no misunderstandings.
Don't pretend to listen.
Most people listen to respond, not to understand. It shows. Listen to understand, not just to respond. Practice active listening and give your colleagues attention.
Stop interpreting and assuming
Assumptions are dangerous. You think you know what was said or meant – but you are wrong. When you don't stick to the facts, you build conflicts based on interpretations.
Don't inform the wrong person.
Miscommunication creates confusion and slows down the entire team. Share information with the right person who actually needs the information and no one else.
Bonus tip: Stop working blindly
When the team lacks a common system, everything becomes cumbersome, confusing, and you work slower.
A service desk like More Service removes the uncertainty – and ensures that nothing is forgotten, misunderstood or sent the wrong way.
🛑 Stop poor communication before it costs you more. Start here – before another week is lost in misunderstandings and frustration.
Would you prefer to see this on film?
Fear not, our reading-shy friend. We've made a video on this too.