Leaders talk (and listen)

Communications, Entrepreneurship, News, Storytelling

something to consider

Never in my entire professional career did I ever think that I would be giving (or getting) a lesson on washing my hands. Washing. My. Hands. A lesson… from another adult!

But here we are, braving a new world that requires us, as business leaders, to add a basic technique to a long list of complex change. As of this writing, we are immersed in an uber-COVID world and are still working remotely, which means being even more efficient with our words and more accurate with the information we share.

If the last few months have taught us anything besides better hygiene, it’s how important solid communication is, especially when navigating unmapped territory.

Business leaders can’t just lead these days – we need to be strategic communicators as well. Teams need to be engaged, encouraged, and reassured – and this is of equal importance to properly washing your hands.

At Bounce, we use a set of principles to shape our own internal strategy, and it may be helpful for you:

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Remind Them of the Why

The beating heart of any organization is that intangible quality that makes people want to work there. Your brand and reputation are shaped by what you stand for, what you promise, and what you deliver. It’s the “why” behind what you and your team do each day. If you aren’t having conversations about why, it’s a missed opportunity to turn your employees into your best ambassadors.

It Flows Both Ways

The mark of a great communicator is knowing when to speak and when to listen. Invite your employees to share ideas, ask questions and voice concerns. This will help you identify problems and generate solutions. It will also build trust. How you listen matters too. Thankfully new technology is constantly evolving, so adopt tools that best fit the culture and needs of your team.

Communicate Often

Throughout the Covid-19 crisis there were probably times you didn’t have answers, yet you knew that your staff was clamoring to hear from you. The lesson we heard most from our clients was that in times of uncertainty, err on the side of over-communicating, lest the vacuum be filled with gossip and rumors. Provide regular updates even if new information is scarce.

Be Strong, Be Authentic

Research has shown that employees look to their managers for cues about how to react to challenging situations. Validating their anxiety in tough times, while affirming your faith in their ability to persevere, can help your employees focus on the tasks at hand with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.

Use Visuals

There’s a reason social media posts with visuals garner up to 650 times more engagement. Use photography and graphics, video, typography, charts and more to capture your staff’s attention and convey ideas simply and quickly.

Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan

If you didn’t have an internal communication plan before, you know you need one now, right? Start to map out a plan, even if it’s rough, to help you guide your staff through these choppy waters. Include all possible scenarios as well – you want to be prepared with messaging and content when critical situations come up.

BTW, we’d love to hear how you’re doing.
Send us a note at: ideas@bouncemarketingconsulting.com to say hello.

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