by Claudia Baier

Created on: October 21, 2010

Improving communication between management and employees requires a focus on effective communication and leadership management. Empowering employees is an effective way to improve leadership performance and improve communication and the relationship with employees.

What is effective communication?

Here are some important keys to an effective communication

1. Clarity

Both parties must be clear about the directions given and received, the goals to be achieved and how these goals align with what the employee wants.

2. Active Listening

Active Listening is about 100% focus on what the other person is saying, rephrasing what they have just said and make them feel that they are heard.

3. Patience

Some employees comprehend information in different ways. These can be visual, auditory or kinesthetic. Either you have to be listening for these clues as well or you have to be patient in explaining them what you want to get across to them.

4. Empowerment & Coaching

The one effective tool management can use is to empower and coach their employees to a higher performance. This requires a focus on the employee and what the employee wants to achieve and how that relates to what the company wants.

5. Suspension of Preconceived Notions

As a manager that wants to get a point across to an employee, you must quiet your preconceived notions and limiting beliefs about that employee. Treat them as you would a precious being which is what they are. Treated well, they can be a diamond in the rough. Treated badly, they can be a cancer to the company's success.

6. Honesty

On both sides, honesty is crucial in an effective communication to be on the same wavelength and to talk on the same premise.

7. Extra Mile

Both sides must go the extra mile to empower the other person to give the most they can.

8. Acknowledgement

Acknowledging of what is going well is a great way to open the conversation in the right tone and with the right attitude that empowers the individual.

9. Awareness of Body Language

Knowing what the other person says with their body can help to understand the real message portrayed and the correct steps that can be taken.

How can you measure effective communication between management and employees?

Management can measure the effectiveness of their communication with their employees by observing their attitude toward them, to  work and their colleagues as well as their customers.

The relationship with your employee can change for life if your actions say "trust me" and the employee believes them. Effective communication and a focus on leadership management and leadership performance is crucial for management in creating a stable relationship with their employees.

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