As a high-level executive or business owner, being able to effectively communicate with your employees or partners is essential to your success. Why then, is it so hard for so many people?
According to an Interact/Harris poll conducted in 2015, 91 percent of employees point to communication problems as the driving force behind failed relationships with executives.
The study also highlighted that for many employees, emotional factors underlie what they dislike most about their leaders. Instead of, “They make me work too hard,” it was more like, “They are narcissistic.”
Some of the top communication issues that prevented leaders from truly communicating with their people included:
- Not recognizing employee achievements;
- Not giving clear directions;
- Not having time to meet with employees;
- Refusing to talk to subordinates;
- Taking credit for others’ ideas;
- Not knowing employees’ names, and;
- Not asking about employees’ lives outside of work.
Not only does the data show that a lack of proper communication negatively affects business relationships, it also damages the trust employees have in a leader.
When you consider how much time and money is poured into employee engagement initiatives and expensive consultants, it’s quite a surprise that poor communication remains a problem.
As any effective leader will tell you, healthy communication is the glue that binds relationships together. Good communication creates an atmosphere of understanding and sets the stage for meaningful interaction. Knowing how to establish a true connection with someone goes far beyond words.
Always remember that productivity is tied to communication, so if you are intent on building a smooth operation, don’t forget to effectively communicate and connect with those in your professional circle, whether they be above, below or side-by-side.