Here are some ways you can improve the communication of your teams.
1. Be Clear
If you want to create a strong team that communicates well, people need to be clear about who is in the team. There can be so much frustration amongst a team when each memebr of the team is unclear of their defined role. When I started our first church this was key in developing the team as undefined roles can often create so much unnecessary friction which can lead to division.
2. Be Specific
Who does what? Most of the problems that occur in teams happen when team roles are not clearly defined.
Consider what would happen if an airline pilot was unclear about who does what. The pilot is responsible for the safety of the passengers and the plane. They are expected to undertake all the necessary checks before taking off and they must follow strict procedures while in the air. They are responsible for and have the authority to make a lot of decisions. However, during take-off and landing their authority is limited; and, at these times they must ask for and get permission from the air traffic controllers before taking action. Can you imagine the disasters if every pilot had the authority to take off and land at will? Or perhaps needed to negotiate take-off or landing directly with the other pilots flying in the area?
The foundation for developing a strong team is being specific about responsibility and accountability.
3. Be Envisioning
People are natural problem solvers. Nothing inspires us like overcoming an obstacle, meeting a challenge or doing something that has never been done before. When we’re bored and lacking purpose, we become restless and argumentative. Envision your team with a mission or an idea that is bigger than them and let them become passionate about achieving it.
4. Be Open
Being opem with your team shows them you care, very few leaders that have a closed door get the best out of their team.
This fosters confidence and trust among team members, reduces rumors and gossip and increases communication levels among the team. No more “us versus them.”
5. Be Fluid
Spend time with your team outside of formal meetings, this is key in getting the best out of the team as they interact with you socially and 'get' you as the leader. In these settings you can be fluid and the team get to see the real you. Don't be so dogmatic on structure that you lose the fluency that brings growth organically.
6. Be Small
Keep your teams small and manageable. Research has shown that teams communicate better and are more productive when they have fewer members.
Keeping your team small will reduce division and allow team members to know each other well enough to maximise their talents. It also streamlines communication and keeps team members confident in their mission.
