As a business head for one of Gujarat’s leading telecom operators, Rajat Dhawan (name changed) is expected to lead a team of more than 200 people, who together generate revenues of about Rs 200 crore a year. Dhawan briefs his immediate reportees on a regular basis, but sometimes feels the point is not getting across. He tried addressing a larger group, but even after two hours of Powerpoint presentations and strategic discussions, he could feel most employees had no clue on how to carry things forward. All Dhawan needed to do was look within, for if your focus isn’t clear, you may not get what you expect from your team. Mahima Puri lists a few ways to make sure your team understands what you want.
Be Clear About Goals The first step is to be clear about what you expect. If you are addressing your immediate reportees, ensure the listener is in sync with your instructions. Also, you need to make sure your subordinate does not doubt your goal or purpose. If he does, ask him why and explain accordingly. “It is important to avoid vague terms and phrases. Steer clear of feelings. ‘I feel’ and ‘I think’ statements spell vagueness. Instead, state facts,” says Alok Jain, COO & EVP at Aspire Human Capital Management.
Use Simple Language Corporate and technical jargon may look good in presentations, but humans prefer colloquial communication. “Use language that your co-workers and team members can relate to. Always remember, the purpose of communication is to get a message across and get things done, and not to sound smart or intimidating,” says Jain.
Say it Straight It is important to put your thoughts across precisely. ‘Please get it done’ will not be understood in the same way as, ‘Please get it done by Friday.’ “In case of urgent matters or if something needs to be done quickly and in a certain way, it’s important to communicate it. Also, guide people well on how exactly you want the work when it is completed. Handhold them if possible in case of critical matters,” says Tejinder Pal Singh, partner at Delhi-based executive search firm Transearch International.
Avoid Negative Talk Negative comments from bosses are often hard to stomach. “Saying, ‘You are incompetent’ will have a very negative impact,” says Jain. Singh agrees. “Subordinates want to be treated as humans, not machines. They know that to err is human, and expect their bosses to know that too. Speaking too negatively about an employee is likely to make him perform worse than ever. Instead, say, “This is good. But you can certainly do better next time,” he suggests.
Follow Up Regularly Some people relate better to the written word. Jain suggests following the five Cs in all written communication: correctness, clarity, conciseness, completeness and courtesy. If you do, chances of your being misunderstood are few and far between.
Be Clear About Goals The first step is to be clear about what you expect. If you are addressing your immediate reportees, ensure the listener is in sync with your instructions. Also, you need to make sure your subordinate does not doubt your goal or purpose. If he does, ask him why and explain accordingly. “It is important to avoid vague terms and phrases. Steer clear of feelings. ‘I feel’ and ‘I think’ statements spell vagueness. Instead, state facts,” says Alok Jain, COO & EVP at Aspire Human Capital Management.
Use Simple Language Corporate and technical jargon may look good in presentations, but humans prefer colloquial communication. “Use language that your co-workers and team members can relate to. Always remember, the purpose of communication is to get a message across and get things done, and not to sound smart or intimidating,” says Jain.
Say it Straight It is important to put your thoughts across precisely. ‘Please get it done’ will not be understood in the same way as, ‘Please get it done by Friday.’ “In case of urgent matters or if something needs to be done quickly and in a certain way, it’s important to communicate it. Also, guide people well on how exactly you want the work when it is completed. Handhold them if possible in case of critical matters,” says Tejinder Pal Singh, partner at Delhi-based executive search firm Transearch International.
Avoid Negative Talk Negative comments from bosses are often hard to stomach. “Saying, ‘You are incompetent’ will have a very negative impact,” says Jain. Singh agrees. “Subordinates want to be treated as humans, not machines. They know that to err is human, and expect their bosses to know that too. Speaking too negatively about an employee is likely to make him perform worse than ever. Instead, say, “This is good. But you can certainly do better next time,” he suggests.
Follow Up Regularly Some people relate better to the written word. Jain suggests following the five Cs in all written communication: correctness, clarity, conciseness, completeness and courtesy. If you do, chances of your being misunderstood are few and far between.
No comments:
Post a Comment