One of my dearest work colleagues, John Temple, had a simple rule for running our newsroom.

“Talk, talk, talk.”

As business leaders, we understand that communication is the lifeblood of any organization. It not only ensures the smooth functioning of operations but also fosters a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration. The phrase, “the absence of information is filled with dirt,” resonates profoundly.

There are lots of leaders (and I suffered from this) who follow the maxim: “Talk is cheap. Let’s act.” And I was also accurately accused of coming from the “Fire. Ready. Aim” School of Management. This caused misinformation and rumors can take root, leading to confusion and mistrust among team members. I couldn’t understand why they did not hear the conversation in my head. It was crystal clear. Eventually I learned, regular and effective communication is paramount.

The Importance of Regular Communication

Here is what I learned are the benefits:

1. Clear as a Bell: It ensures that everyone understands the goals, expectations, and responsibilities. Clear communication helps align the team’s efforts. I love the phrase, “There’s no such thing as your end of the rowboat is sinking.”
2. Staying Involved: Frequent interactions keep the team interested and driven. When team members feel informed and included, their sense of belonging and commitment to the organization increases.
3. Figure It Out: Regular communication provides opportunities to address issues and challenges promptly, preventing them from escalating into larger problems.
4. Innovation and Ideas: My best teams embraced the “no bad ideas” philosophy.

Typical Communication Methods

There are those regular communication methods:

1. Team Meetings.
2. Email Updates. But you must do it on a schedule.
3. One-on-One Meetings.
4. Internal Newsletters. Again, it’s critical to stick to a schedule for these.

Unusual Communication Methods

1. Management By Wandering Around: Instead of the traditional boardroom setting, take your meetings outside. Walking meetings can stimulate creative thinking and provide a refreshing change of environment.
2. Virtual Coffee Breaks: With remote work becoming more prevalent, virtual coffee breaks can recreate the informal conversations that happen naturally in an office setting. These casual interactions can strengthen team bonds and enhance collaboration.
3. Anonymous Feedback Channels: Implementing anonymous feedback tools can encourage team members to voice their opinions and concerns without fear of judgment. This can lead to more honest and constructive feedback.
4. Digital Bulletin Boards: Use digital bulletin boards or collaborative platforms like Trello or Asana to post updates, share resources, and celebrate achievements. This creates a visual and interactive way to keep everyone informed. Some of my group members swear by Slack.
5. Interactive Webinars: Host interactive webinars where team members can learn, share insights, and ask questions in real-time. This can be especially effective for training sessions or discussing new initiatives.

As the leader you have “in the moment” access to all the critical information. Do not get so busy with it that you fail to share it with your team.

Talk. Talk. Talk.