In the busy world of business, communication is the key that unlocks many doors. This article will provide insights into the importance of communication, especially given an example from a global CEO’s recent decision to lay off employees in the middle of celebrating a company-wide success.
The Memo: a mix of triumph and termination
This CEO, amid the rejoice of record-breaking success, sent out an employee memo. Necessity might say layoffs, but this well-drafted note announcing nightmare job losses was undoubtedly a case study in how not to communicate better at work.
Between the perfectly framed professional sentences, the memo was a cocktail of paradoxical scenarios. Employees found themselves torn between the company’s celebration of success and the incomprehensible prospect of job losses.
Misplaced sentiment
The CEO used seemingly positive phrases like ‘decision for our future’ and ‘building momentum’, presenting an eerie charade of the reality. Was there a better way to communicate these layoffs amid celebrations? Absolutely.
The missed pieces of effective communication at work
When you need to communicate better at work, consider these four overlooked but vital corners of communication.
Empathy: not just more corporate jargon
There’s more to empathy than a leadership buzzword; true empathy is understanding the perspective of another individual under varying circumstances. In this case, discussing the layoffs from the employees’ viewpoint could have made the situation less harsh.
Raising the lede
The human attention span is dwindling rapidly, making it imperative to start conversations by providing required information upfront. Don’t bury your lede in a barrage of words; make it crisp, clear, and up-front.
Asking effectively: get real input
Simply asking for feedback may land you with perfunctory responses. Frame your questions in a way that encourages thought and elicits a thoughtful response. Specificity is the key to gain substantial input.
Connect to conquer
To communicate better at work, human connection is invaluable. Stepping off the routine track to engage in personal conversations fosters a favorable collaborative environment. A shared laugh can sometimes solve problems faster than a shared spreadsheet.
In conclusion
Remember, good communication is less about grand gestures and more about understanding, empathy, and connection. Whether you’re dealing with victory or facing a tough decision, the way you communicate can make all the difference. Learn to communicate better at work, and your professional journey will be all the richer for it.