When we talk about establishing a culture, there’s a lot that goes into that. There’s getting everyone on the same page, ensuring that everyone shares the same language, and always being ready, willing and available to help your team. You’ll have to help them through whatever their struggles are as they get used to this new culture.
One of the biggest things that you have to keep in mind as you establish this type of culture, is that you may have more communication than you are ready or willing to deal with. One of the best ways to mitigate this problem is to ensure that first you have an open door policy and second you take a lot of notes.
Lead by Example
First things first, if you want to establish something you have to lead.
What this means is as you’re trying to help everyone adjust to a new idea of effective business communication, you are also doing the same in your regular business life. If you aren’t leading by example then you aren’t providing an example for those who are new to this concept.
A great way to lead by example is by CCing or BCCing those that you are trying to teach the culture of effective business communication. Now, of course you don’t want to do this on emails that have sensitive information, however emails that are low security are great ways to start showing those you work with an example of effective business communication
Have Clear Expectations
Something that also helps people out in the beginning, and in the long run is to have clear cut expectations as to what they’re supposed to be doing. This means having examples available of what business communication is both through email, phone and from person to person.
When you have these types of examples available that go along with your expectations, this is going to help your employees follow along more easily and pay attention to the necessary guidelines that are going to encourage the culture of effective business communication
The Customer Service Mindset
Some people may not see this as important, but we need to treat one another with the same kindness that we would treat a customer with. Having a culture of effective business communication means focusing in on what it is that your team needs.
Do they need additional assistance in answering phone calls? Are they needing help learning how to write emails? Basically what it comes down to is are you able to help your team in the ways that they need help?
Your goal as the leader of the effective business communication movement is to serve those that you work with as best as you possibly can. Without that type of service, specifically the customer service mindset, it can be very difficult for other people to follow that example.
Encourage Inclusivity
Inclusivity is definitely one of those keywords that tends to stay at the forefront of most business communication. What this means is being aware that some people are going to talk differently than others. This could be a different language, a different type of lingo, or even state or area mannerisms.
When this comes into play, you have to remember that business communication is something that spans beyond customer service. It is something that welcomes and embraces individuality while also providing a common way for people to communicate.
In other words you can’t expect everyone to communicate the exact same way. They have experiences and cultural backgrounds that are going to provide them with different forms of communication that don’t fit a cookie cutter culture
Open-Door Policy
One of the biggest ways that you can help your team is by having an open door policy. Now, does this mean that your door is open 100% of the time? No. But what it does mean is that you’re available for their questions and for any assistance they may need while creating this culture of inclusivity and effective business communication.
One of the best ways to keep yourself sane while having an open door policy, is to have certain times of the day where your door is shut and you are focused on the work at hand
Conclusion
Building a culture of effective business communication is not necessarily the easiest job in the world. It takes someone taking charge and leading the way with examples, with training, and with all sorts of assistance so that way everyone feels as though they are able to engage in this new culture.
