Operational Focus: Open Communication

Thought: "Accountability breeds response-ability" - Stephen Covey

A culture that encourages open communication and accountability goes beyond merely delegating tasks and anticipating results. It involves cultivating an atmosphere where individuals feel comfortable expressing concerns, asking for help, and owning their outcomes. Team members can confidently embrace responsibility for their roles when communication and feedback are open and clear, leading to stronger collaboration and overall success.

Tip: Common issues and fixes to improve team communication

• Lack of Clear Expectations:
  Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for each team member. Regularly review these objectives in one-on-one meetings. Create a Function Accountability Chart, provide clear, written expectations, and use project management tools or shared documents to keep everything transparent and accessible.
  Establishing clear expectations helps employees understand their roles, reducing ambiguity and increasing accountability for their tasks.
• Ineffective Feedback Mechanisms:
  Implement a structured feedback system, such as regular performance reviews or feedback tools, that encourages both positive and constructive criticism. Also, be sure to address issues as they arise, rather than letting the problem grow and cause stress within the team.
  Providing timely and relevant feedback ensures employees are aware of their progress, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership over their work.
• Over-Reliance on Digital Communication:
  Encourage face-to-face interactions or video meetings to complement digital communications, ensuring that complex issues are discussed personally when possible. For remote workers, during times when it is important to get the information out there quickly but you are concerned with tone, try using voice messages with a program like Voxer or WhatsApp.
  Personal interactions can help clarify misunderstandings and demonstrate a more human approach, which builds trust and accountability within the team.
• Inadequate Listening Skills:
  Train managers and employees to actively listen by summarizing what they hear and asking clarifying questions to ensure comprehension.
  Effective listening paves the way for mutual respect and understanding, which is vital for holding each other accountable in a supportive manner.
• Information Silos:
  Utilize collaboration tools that allow information sharing across departments to ensure everyone has access to the necessary information and resources.
  Breaking down silos enhances transparency and ensures everyone is on the same page, helping teams work collaboratively and hold each other accountable.

Wanda Alberts is a former paralegal and executive assistant who brings meticulous attention to detail and strategic vision to her role as a fractional business operations specialist. She is passionate about giving business owners back their time and setting teams up for success by streamlining workflows, creating documented systems and procedures, and enhancing communications. Contact Wanda today, and join a community dedicated to achieving operational excellence.