It’s powerful, it’s free and it’s perhaps the most valuable tool any business owner has immediate access to, but you’d be surprised how many people underestimate its importance.
Every day we have hundreds of conversations, with clients, business partners, suppliers, friends, family, colleagues and neighbours but as a business owner, are you having the conversations that matter to, and can have the most impact on, your business?
According to research by Harvard Business Review, two thirds of managers (and as a business owner, you ARE a manager) admit to being uncomfortable when communicating with their employees.
The research discovered that 69 per cent of managers lack the confidence to communicate with their employees in conversations relating to:
• Giving constructive criticism and feedback.
• Demonstrating vulnerability.
• Recognising employee achievements.
• Delivering the ‘company line’ in a genuine way.
• Giving clear directions.
On top of finding the above conversations challenging, 69 per cent of managers find communicating in general, difficult.
Irish Playwright, George Bernard Shaw said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that is has taken place.”
A valuable lesson I have learnt over the years that relates to George’s famous quote is to never assume. Let me assume:
- Never assume someone knows what you want from them.
- Never assume people know they have impressed you.
- Never assume that your employees knows how their role contributes to the overall success of your business.
- Never assume a message has been relayed.
Assumptions get you in trouble. And sometimes as a business owner, it’s easier to “assume” the message has been heard and understood, than it is to dig a bit deeper during the conversation to ensure what you want to communicate is getting through. As Brene Brown says, “clear is kind”, but sometimes being clear means sitting with some discomfort as you pave the way to clarity in communications.
This is where the simple act of having a proper conversation can be a real game-changer.
As an employer, your employees are looking to you for leadership, direction and guidance. And just as you have expectations from them, they have expectations from you – which generally include having the conversations on the above points clearly.
A meaningful conversation can change the dynamics of your business in a number of ways. Giving your staff positive feedback will inevitably motivate them to continue to improve their performance. Communicating your businesses’ vision and goals will remind staff of their purpose and encourage them to contribute to your business success and giving clear directions and setting expectations will ensure you get the most out of your staff.
But it’s not always easy.
Your road to a powerful conversation
Don’t panic if you find some conversations confronting. You’re not alone but the good news is it is a skill that can be acquired through practice and commitment.
Find yourself a mentor that you feel comfortable with. Someone you can be honest with and that you know will be honest in return.
Let your whole-self step into the arena of the conversation and show your vulnerability. This is the first, and most important step on the journey to learn any new skill.
Every time you need to have a conversation with a staff member, whether it be positive or negative, have it with your mentor first. Practice it, rehearse it and practice it again.
You will find that overtime, your confidence will increase and these meaningful conversations will become part of your daily routine.
As you practice and embed communication within your business, you will see the positive impacts they can bring.
Shaun Langdon, CEO, www.strategem.com.au
