Supervisory Management Unit 2
Communication
Stepping into the role of a supervisor or manager is a great achievement. Although it does come with great responsibility to oversee, supervise and manage the team that is under you. To work well with your team to enhance overall productivity and profit, it is important to communicate appropriately to make sure everyone knows what they are doing, what is expected of them, and how you can improve workplace behaviour. For a supervisor or manager there are many ways you can communicate with your team without causing friction or mis-interpretation. These strategies include:
Use Constructive Criticism
Constructive criticism is a special form of criticism which uses both positive and negative comments that offer well-reasoned and valid opinions in a friendly manner towards a working situation or problem. The purpose of this type of criticism is to help with improving the overall outcome of the job or project. With teams, constructive criticism can become a valuable tool to help with maintaining and raising performance standards. For this criticism to work, it is important to always focus on the work and not on the actual person or team that is hired. Where possible any personality issues should be avoided. This type of criticism is most likely to be used by a team if it is detailed, specific, clear, timely, and most of all actionable.
Be Personal
Getting to know your team is also essential to not only open a better line of communication but to also give you the ability to interact and work better with the team to get results. Interact with each person on the team. This will show them that they are not just “work horses” in the workplace and will make them feel like they are a part of the team. Other options include using first name basis, as well as sharing any concerns, excitement or ideas they may have in a professional and friendly way.
Listen To The Team And Their Feedback
A team is designed to work together and communicate different ideas until a solution to a problem is resolved. It is important for any manager or supervisor overseeing the team to always listen to input the team has to offer, and any feedback that they may have to suggestions from you or other team members. Remember that the job you are supervising is a team effort and should be conducted in this manner. Managers who listen to their team are more likely to get better results overall.
Always Recognize Team Member
Recognition or a lack of it, can directly impact the level of engagement a team member offers when problem solving. Team members who feel undervalued or unrecognized are one of the reasons why a team member may leave, or the team may falter in getting the results needed to solve a problem in a timely fashion. When discussing a problem with your team, take note of any of the members who may not be speaking up or who may look as if they are feeling left out. For team members such as this, engage with them by asking them if they have any input, feedback or solutions. Always take their input in a positive way, even if it may not be as useful as needed at the time. Showing your interest and recognising all team members as individuals with different ideas will help to create a stronger line of communication.
Always Show Positivity
Showing positivity, even in a tough situation, is also another important way a supervisor or manager can communicate with the team. Positivity and hope has shown to boost team moral and can lead to a much more engaged workforce. With any negative problem or situation, try to always offer a positive solution with a positive attitude. This will not only help to communicate your ideas and opinions to the team but will also help to elevate some of the negative tension that some team members may be feeling.
Act On Your Word
Any type of communication will directly impact the team, this includes nonverbal communication. To help you maintain respect, team trust, and credibility as a supervisor or manager through any honest and open communication you have conducted in the past, it important to back up any of your words with action. For example, if you have promised to make a change to some of your teams working environment, or if you have said about implementing a new course of action to a certain problem, it is important to keep to your word and do it. Once you have turned your words into action, communicate this with your team.
Be Respectful To Your Team Members
Being a supervisor or manager doesn’t mean you have the right to be disrespectful to those under your supervision. When communicating with your team members never judge them, ridicule them, or speak to them in a negative way that may cause them to feel like they may be inadequate at the job at hand. Respectful communication between managers and their team will help to keep team member moral and confidence high without causing any additional stress, self-doubt or self-confidence issues throughout the team workplace. By respecting your team members, you will also be treated with respect and will have more chance of having a well-functioning and successful team environment.
Be Open and Honest
A supervisor or manager should also communicate to their team with openness and honesty at all times. This can be hard when a conflict arises, although by being honest and open about a situation whilst using constructive criticism can help to bridge the gap in communication that may have become damaged. Being open and honest will also allow you to maintain your credibility, team trust, and respect. Remember when being honest to your team, try to speak in a non-condescending manner. Always be respectful, polite, and straightforward whilst communicating.
Overall
Communication is one of the most powerful tools any supervisor or manager has to offer in a workplace team environment. Effective supervisor-team communication can help to increase the overall team engagement in problem solving, as well as boost productivity in the workplace, and drive business success.