Communication: The Game-Changer Between Good and Great Teams
Communication: The Difference Between Great and Average Teams
As a people leader, one challenge that’s popped up time and again is the hesitation to give honest feedback. When I first dipped my toes into management, I couldn’t help but notice that many team members were reluctant to speak up—even when a little constructive feedback could drive big improvements. And let’s face it, with remote work, that hesitation can get amplified. Screens may connect us, but they also create walls.
When I first transitioned to leading remote teams, building trust in a virtual environment was no walk in the park. My instinct was to simply encourage feedback, thinking that was enough to create openness. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Real trust—the kind that fuels real communication—doesn’t happen overnight. It takes effort, consistency, and a genuine willingness to listen.
What Sets Great Teams Apart?
What sets great performing teams apart from average ones in this context is their ability to communicate effectively and address issues head-on. Great teams prioritize clarity, regular check-ins, and an open dialogue that allows for constructive feedback. But when things are out of sync? Well, you get a clunky mess!
- Clear Communication Channels: Great teams establish clear channels for communication. This means knowing when to use email, chat, or video calls to convey messages effectively. Just like a map, guidelines help everyone find their way without getting lost.
- Active Listening: Listening is more important than speaking when it comes to communication with your team. Great teams foster a culture where every voice is heard. As a leader, I made it a point to practice active listening during team meetings,really being present. This meant giving my full attention to the speaker, asking follow-up questions, and acknowledging their perspectives. When team members feel heard, they are more likely to engage and contribute meaningfully. It’s like watering a plant; the more you nurture it, the more it thrives.
- Regular Check-Ins: Frequent check-ins help ensure everyone is aligned and address any challenges that may arise. By scheduling weekly or biweekly 1on1s meetings, I provided a platform for team members to share not only updates and discuss roadblocks but have good discussions about any topic they consider important for their growth. This consistent communication keeps everyone informed and creates accountability.
To cultivate this mindset, I found it crucial to implement a straightforward framework that any team lead can adopt.
An Simple Framework for Success
To help other team leads enhance their communication practices, I’ve developed a simple framework that can be easily implemented:
- Set Clear Expectations: Clearly outline roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics. Ensure that everyone understands their tasks and how they contribute to the team’s goals.
- Establish Guidelines for Feedback: Provide concrete guidelines on how to give and receive feedback. Encourage team members to share their feedback in a constructive manner, focusing on specific behaviors rather than personal attributes. It’s all about sharpening the focus on improvement, not criticism.
- Encourage Vulnerability: As leaders, we often wear our armor, but sharing our own experiences, including failures, can be powerful. When team members see us opening up, they’re more likely to do the same. It creates an environment where it’s okay to be human.
- Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Create a recurring schedule for team meetings and one-on-one check-ins. This ensures that communication is consistent and provides opportunities for open dialogue.
- Follow Up: Make feedback and communication a priority. Some messages need to be repeated in various channels—don’t assume clarity just because you’ve said it once! After meetings, I’ve started sending out summaries of key points and action items. It reinforces accountability and keeps everyone on the same page.
The quality of communication within a team can make or break its overall performance. Strong communication isn’t just about exchanging information; it’s about building relationships, enhancing collaboration, and driving success together. So, what steps can you take today to encourage open communication and feedback? Your team is waiting for your lead!
