The Impact of the Manager’s Communication Style on the Team
Imagine a manager in a large organization who is known for being unapproachable and who seldom communicates with the team, adopting a “I’ll tell you if needed” management style. Such a communication approach undoubtedly creates challenges in the workplace. When a manager withholds information or seems elusive, it can lead to team members feeling somewhat marginalized. Not being privy to crucial details can foster feelings of alienation, where employees sense they are not fully integrated into the team’s broader objectives.
How the Manager’s Communication Style Affects Job Satisfaction
Beyond this, cohesive collaboration becomes challenging when everyone is not equipped with the same information. In such environments, ambiguity reigns, which can escalate into heightened levels of anxiety and apprehension (Coffelt et al., 2019). Working in such a setting would be quite taxing.
Job contentment arises from the job’s inherent characteristics and the broader context in which an individual works. Speaking about me, the manager’s communication style would diminish my job satisfaction, making me feel undervalued and out of the loop, impacting my motivation and sense of belonging to the team.
Communication Techniques for the Manager to Become a More Inspiring Leader
For the manager in question, there are several avenues to improve communication and, by extension, team morale. Embracing an open-door policy is a good starting point. This gesture, symbolic in nature, reassures employees that they can voice concerns or share ideas without hesitation. Regular interactions with team members outside the typical annual review cycle can make a significant difference (Coffelt et al., 2019). This is similar to consistent touchpoints that foster understanding and collaboration—regular team gatherings, where all members are informed and can contribute, enable a feeling of togetherness.
Moreover, being open to feedback, possibly through anonymous channels, can offer the manager invaluable insights. A vital component of communication frequently missed is the skill of attentive listening. Being present and genuinely hearing what team members convey is essential. If further refinement is desired, various workshops focus on honing communication and leadership skills that could benefit the manager.
Effective communication is the cornerstone of thriving team dynamics, fostering trust and mutual understanding. Encouraging open dialogue promotes creativity, while active listening ensures that every member feels valued (Coffelt et al., 2019). An approachable manager cultivates an environment where trust flourishes, elevating team morale and performance.
Reference
Coffelt, T. A., Grauman, D., & Smith, F. L. M. (2019). Employers’ Perspectives on Workplace Communication Skills: The Meaning of Communication Skills. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 82(4), 418–439. Web.
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