Encouraging efficient, effective and appropriate communication is one of HR’s greatest challenges. Jim Collins promotes having 'to do' and 'stop doing' lists to help efficency, and Michael Richards has put together these five tips, which are the first of a two part series to help you break the bad communication habits. So take five and break five...
1. Reliance on email
Hiding behind email has long since caused unnecessary disputes. But in a culture that relies on forms of electronic communication, it can seem revolutionary to suggest resorting to such outdated methods as telephone or face to face meetings.
The key is to help employees appreciate that email is a valuable and indeed critical tool for how we communicate, but it cannot replace other methods of communication and must be used appropriately. It is especially important to recognise that e-mail, whilst sent immediately, may not be read immediately, so don’t use it for something unexpected and urgent.
