Imagine a workplace where every conversation drives productivity, every team member feels understood, and collaboration flows effortlessly. Any and every workplace relies on effective communication and fostering a culture of trust to build high-performing teams and achieve great success.
Our experts recommend defining clear goals to foster an environment of trust, and tailoring communication to individual needs. Understanding that perception is key and taking into consideration the 4 pillars of communication. It’s also important to understand how communication may be perceived by the receiver. They encourage regular one-on-one, team check-ins, using tools like email and instant messaging to maintain alignment. These communication styles can strengthen connections, enhance productivity, and create a positive, collaborative environment.
From understanding the four pillars of communication to cultivating a culture of openness and trust, our experts – Ryan Griffiths, Katie Welch and Jason Culleton share actionable advice to help your team work more cohesively and achieve shared goals. Whether you’re looking to refine your leadership approach, empower your team, or boost overall performance, the following expert contributions offer valuable guidance to elevate your team’s effectiveness.
Ryan Griffiths
Technical Delivery Team Lead
Communication is an often overlooked skill that when practiced poorly, can cause significant detriment to a business, team or individual. Communication typically holds 4 pillars; reading, writing, listening and speaking, which can fall into further sub-categories such as clarity, empathy, context and so on. I have found within my team and the further business that was having an awareness of the individual that I’m communicating with and tailoring my approach to that individual will have a significant impact on their overall productivity. For example, if I’m speaking to someone in my senior leadership team, I know that clear, concise and data driven communication is what will get defined action, whereas if I’m communicating with a neurodivergent colleague, that a clear, concise and empathetic approach will deliver the best result.
My career so far has taught me that when it comes to communication, perception is key. Taking into consideration the 4 pillars of communication, it’s also important to understand how my communication may be perceived by the receiver. If I need a member of my team to complete a high priority task and I send a blunt or abrupt email without considering the receiver (who may already be having a bad day), then the high priority task may either be completed with reluctance or to a poor standard. With this being noted, being overly friendly and relaxed in your communication will not convey the appropriate urgency, so the ability to articulate a professional, meaningful and concise communication will always result in the best outcome.
I have come to understand that no matter the background of an individual, communication is an ability that can be developed so that the art of articulation can be honed, furthering one’s ability to be better understood, for productivity to increase and build trust with both internal and external stakeholders.
Katie Welch
Building a team is about openness and trust first and foremost. Having a clear goal and sub objectives. And then just behaving with each other in a considerate, kind, open manner with consideration for strengths and weaknesses.
Define a shared vision that aligns with your team’s purpose. Establish clear goals to provide direction and focus. By outlining specific roles and responsibilities, team members can better understand their contributions to the broader mission. Consider using frameworks like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) or KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to track progress and maintain alignment.
Great teams leverage individual strengths while acknowledging areas for growth. Foster an environment where feedback is constructive and opportunities for improvement are seen as stepping stones to success. By encouraging risk-taking and embracing lessons from mistakes, teams can innovate and evolve.
Effective communication is the backbone of teamwork. Use tools like instant messaging and email strategically, defining when and how to connect to minimise distractions. Balance this with in-person or video conversations, which allow for richer interactions through verbal and non-verbal cues. Regular one-on-one and team check-ins are essential for alignment and addressing challenges.
Above all, teams thrive when members interact with kindness and respect. Embrace diversity of thought and communication styles, ensuring every voice is heard. By supporting one another’s growth and maintaining a considerate approach to collaboration, teams can achieve remarkable results while cultivating a fulfilling work environment.
Jason Culleton
Social Media Executive
Effective collaboration and communication are vital for a thriving business. Here are powerful ways to elevate these essential skills within your team: Clearly outline each member’s role and the team goals. Use Position Contracts to specify responsibilities and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Ensuring team members and managers share the same understanding of roles can lead to remarkable effectiveness—Utilise tools like email and instant messaging to create clear paths for communication. Define when and how to connect to eliminate distractions and foster focus. Cultivate a culture where team members feel empowered to share their ideas and feedback. Embrace your team’s diverse communication styles and make sure everyone’s voice resonates. Embrace the power of in-person communication. Use meetings or video calls to fully engage through verbal and non-verbal cues, strengthening connections and understanding. Schedule regular one-on-one and team meetings to keep everyone aligned. Use these moments to tackle challenges and seize opportunities for growth and improvement. Invest in your team’s development by offering training and workshops. Leverage tools like DiSC to unlock understanding of communication styles, enhancing collaboration and unity. By implementing these strategies, you can inspire your team to reach new heights in communication and collaboration, driving productivity and satisfaction to remarkable levels.
Building a strong team starts with trust and respect. Trust takes time and grows when we are credible and dependable, creating a safe space for sharing thoughts—even on challenging topics. Trust can slip away quickly if personal interests overshadow our team goals. Let’s value each other’s ideas and skills to strengthen trust while working toward our common goals. Encouraging risk-taking, learning from mistakes, and offering constructive feedback in a friendly way are essential. Let’s celebrate our wins, big and small! Recognising individual achievements and team successes lifts spirits and fosters a positive atmosphere. Whether through meetings, emails, or newsletters, highlighting these accomplishments motivates us and strengthens our teamwork!
The insights shared by these professionals emphasise a crucial point: effective communication and collaboration begin with understanding, trust, and adaptability. By applying the strategies outlined by Ryan, Katie, and Jason, you can create a workplace where team members feel empowered, valued, and aligned. Tailor these practices to suit your team’s unique dynamics, and watch as productivity, morale, and unity flourish.
