In any thriving team, communication isn’t just important—it’s everything. From delivering clear instructions to fostering trust, a leader’s ability to communicate well can make or break success. Reflecting on this, I was reminded of a humorous lesson in communication from the children’s book Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish.
If you’re familiar with the character Amelia Bedelia, you will know that her adventures are filled with misunderstanding and a lack of communication. This quote from the original story is a fun illustration of the need for clear communication:
“‘Amelia Bedelia, the sun will fade the furniture. I asked you to draw the drapes,’ said Mrs. Rodgers.
‘I did! I did! See,’ said Amelia Bedelia. She held up her picture.” (Amelia Bedelia, 1963).
Instead of closing the drapes, Amelia drew a picture of them for her employer.
You might think this example is silly and that it is too literal of an interpretation, but we can draw some lessons from it for communicating in the workplace.
Roles in communication
Communication is a two-way process. Both delivering and receiving messages require effort. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to ensure your message is clear and understood, and it’s equally important to listen and ask questions when you’re on the receiving end.
Role as the person delivering the message:
- Ensure the message is understood.
- Give space for questions.
- Consider how you are communicating. (Are you delivering this message in person, via email, or over a video call? Each medium may impact how the message is received and understood.)
Role as the person receiving the message:
- Listen to what is being said.
- Consider the context of the situation and your role.
- Ask clarifying questions.
As you see above, effective communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about ensuring both sides are engaged, understood, and able to contribute to a shared understanding.
Tips for becoming a better communicator
Now that we’ve covered the key roles in workplace communication, let’s explore some practical strategies you can implement to improve your team’s communication.
Create a safe space for honest and vulnerable conversations
Creating a safe space for honest and vulnerable conversations is key to strong communication. One way to do that is by fostering an environment where communication is a natural part of the workflow, not just something reserved for formal meetings.
When employees feel heard and understood, it strengthens their ability to collaborate and reach shared goals. As Gallup points out:
“When healthy communication is part of ‘how we do things,’ employees are more likely to have clear expectations that align with leaders’ overarching objectives. They’re also better able to understand one another and collaborate to overcome hurdles, accomplish goals, and navigate change.”
Regular communication—whether formal or informal—builds familiarity and trust, making it easier for teams to work together effectively.
In addition to being open to ongoing conversations, as a leader, you’ll want to ensure your team knows that their opinions and suggestions matter. Validation shows employees that their input is not only welcomed but valued, fostering a culture where people feel comfortable sharing ideas. Consider implementing the following strategies when you receive ideas from your team:
- When an employee shares an idea, thank them for it and let them know you will consider how it can be action.
- If the suggestion can be worked on right away, ask the employee to add it to their task list (if it fits under their job) or assign it to the correct team member.
- Give the employee a shout-out in a larger team meeting for the value they provided.
- While you’ll want to avoid shutting down every suggestion, if you know the idea won’t work right now, try acknowledging something positive about it and mentioning you will keep it in mind for the future.
Establish a shared understanding of objectives and goals
As you sit down for a team meeting or kick off a project, take a moment to share AND understand your team’s objectives.
As Ann Kowal Smith notes, when goals are clearly articulated, teams are better positioned for success. Setting objectives before a meeting can transform conversations into actionable outcomes.
“Whether they seek a specific decision, an exploration of options, or an open-ended brainstorming session, when people articulate their goals, they set the stage for more effective outcomes, especially in practical, decision-making contexts.” – Ann Kowal Smith, 4 Techniques To Help You Be A Better Communicator
Healthy communication isn’t just about speaking and listening—it’s about creating an ongoing dialogue that keeps everyone aligned with the team’s larger goals.
Encourage ongoing feedback
Feedback helps us learn what we need to work on, but also what we are doing well. It’s something both team members and leaders can benefit from. By asking questions and sharing feedback on an ongoing basis, your team can become more connected and productive.
- Feedback becomes part of the ongoing workflow, for both leaders and team members.
- Challenges can be addressed more quickly, and projects can move along.
- You will build better familiarity and comfort between your team, reducing the fear of criticism and making communication more effective.
This kind of continuous feedback loop not only resolves challenges faster but also encourages a culture of openness and collaboration, strengthening the team’s ability to achieve its goals. In turn, this can help build employee’s confidence, contributing to a more motivated and engaged team.
Practice, practice, practice
With any skill, practicing tends to help you improve. Smith encourages people not to shy away from hard conversations. The more you are a part of them, the easier it will become to be vulnerable and participate in meaningful discussions.
“The key to having successful conversations is the messy, emotional and often freighted experience of the conversations themselves.” – Ann Kowal Smith, 4 Techniques To Help You Be A Better Communicator
To encourage these discussions, try leading by example and leaning into difficult conversations rather than avoiding them. To maintain a sense of safety, you may want to start by encouraging candid feedback during one-on-one meetings.
Start building a culture of communication today
Ultimately, communication is a team effort that requires constant reflection and improvement. As a team leader, your ability to speak and listen effectively shapes your team’s success. So, take time to practice, invite open dialogue, and foster an environment where everyone feels heard.
If you need support getting started, reach out to us here at People First. We offer several solutions to help support stronger leadership and teams, such as:
Email us today to learn more about these solutions and others.
At the end of the day, remember, clear communication builds trust, and trust builds teams. You can work towards that every day by making communication an ongoing priority.