The confetti has settled, and the Champagne bubbles have fizzled. It’s back to the grindstone and time to get down to the business of 2012.
January is a time for making resolutions and setting goals, and what better topic to resolve to improve than your communications! So without further ado, here are my 11 communication resolutions for 2012. (They might just revolutionize your communications, too.)
How many times have you heard someone say, “Didn’t I tell you?” or “Oh, I told Sally Jo but forgot to tell you.” More communication is critical as your team works together. It is important to check and recheck that everyone is receiving the same information.
2. Use spell check
3. Stay on schedule like a train
Regular communication helps your team members from becoming overloaded by “popcorn” e-mail messages. Having a standard communications schedule also gives you the ability to highlight the importance of some messages compared to others.
4. DISABLE CAPS LOCK
5. Can you hear me now?
Beyond hearing, is your audience listening and really understanding your message? Are your team members interpreting your messages how you intended them to be? Do they understand your members’ goals and objectives?
6. Clean out the inbox
Failing to respond is just plain uncivilized.
7. Keep it real
In a world of e-mail and smartphones, it can become easy to hide behind technology. When launching a new project or handling a conflict, direct communication gives both parties the opportunity to explain themselves and allows for both parties to seek immediate clarification.
8. Complete sentences
9. Plan your work, work your plan
As organizations grow and new technology becomes available, we are often faced with new communication challenges. By including communication strategies in the planning phases, organizations elevate their efficiency and limit possible issues.
10. One should avoid talking about oneself in the third person
11. More than annual check-ups
Is one of your team members having problems with part of the project? Are two team members duplicating effort on a project? Checking in with team members on the status of projects can build engagement, allowing you to prevent problems and streamline efforts.
Until next time, remember: Take care of the customer, take care of each other and take care of yourself!
Jim Hartigan, chief business development Officer and partner joined OrgWide Services, a learning, communications, surveys and consulting firm in April 2010 after nearly 30 years experience in the hospitality industry, including the last 18 as a senior executive with Hilton Worldwide. Jim brings to OrgWide a reputation for driving change through improved business processes and developing comprehensive strategies that streamline operations, drive brand awareness and preference, and increase customer satisfaction.
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