A Lack of Communication can KILL Productivity

Communication and Productivity

A lack of communication in any situation is an instant hindrance to productivity. Pick any group setting and you’ll find that if things aren’t getting done, the problem could be attributed to ineffective communication by either a team leader or team member. In my work setting, good communication means that everyone is informed, knows what needs to be done and there is a consistent exchange of communication among all parties. If a person isn’t informed, isn’t clear on what needs to be done or the team isn’t communicating, then we spend more time working out issues that could be avoided by simple communication. So, how do you increase communication to increase productivity? Here are some things I implement:

• If I am delegating a task, I make sure that I understand what needs to be done before trying to tell someone else. I usually have the person repeat the details of the task verbatim so that he or she can show an understanding of what needs to take place.
• If I am receiving a task, after repeating the details, I ask as many questions as possible to receive clarity.
• If there seems to be a lack of understanding from either myself as a team leader or as a team member, then I ask for clarification immediately. Usually, consistent communication throughout the task will ensure clarity.
• If there is a problem with either the way the task is being done in my eyes as a team leader, then I inform the receiver of the task immediately and we work toward a solution. Likewise, if I encounter a problem as a team member that I can’t solve, I inform the team leader.

The steps above are just a hint of how good communication begins. A good relationship among the team also helps because communication will flow better if team members are comfortable sharing their concerns with the team leader and vise versa. These principles apply beyond the workplace to our personal lives as well. Try to think about how better communication can enhance your productivity in your marriage, with your children, with business relationships and so on.

The following articles provide some interesting perspectives on communication:

• "Effective Communication" by John Clark
• About 101 (Multiple articles on communication)
• Test Yourself - "Building Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills: Self-Assessment Exercise"
• "Effective Communication" by Bojinka Bishop