5 Communication Practices to Help You Earn the Respect of Your Team

5 Communication Practices to Help You Earn the Respect of Your Team5 Communication Practices to Help You Earn the Respect of Your TeamCommunication misfirescan lead to problematic and unhealthy situations within your work place. This can quickly lead to issues when dealing with customers or each other, reducing sales and overall success within your organization. Here are some lessons we can all learn from this all-too-common issue. Communication Best Practices to Employ with Your New Team 1. Start by asking yourself,At the end of my time leading this group, what will my gruppe members say that I did? This powerful and provocative question challenges you to think deeply about your roleand about the impact you desire to have in this group. Write down and share your thoughts with your new team. Ask them to hold you accountable for your description. Your willingness to state your intentions and commitment publicly will earn the respect of your team members. Be prepared to live up to your commitment. 2. Ask for input one person at a time. While you may not be able to avoid being introduced to your new team in a group setting, resist the urge to share your leadership manifesto in this setting. Instead, quickly move to set up one-on-one discussions with each team member. Use these initial sessions as an opportunity to ask questions. Try Whats Working? Whats Not? What do you need me to do to help? Take great notes, and remember that you own the follow-up from these sessions. 3. Harness the power of questions. Questions are your best friend when it comes to gaining credibility with your new team. When you ask someone for their opinion, you are showing that you value their experience and ideas, you are displaying a powerful form of respect. Be careful not to ask for opinions and then ignore the input, or the positive feelings will quickly turn sour. 4. Learn about the teams history and culture. Any group that has been together for any length of time has formed a distinct culturebased on shared history. Listen and learn and ask about the teams prior successes and heroic efforts. Strive to learn how everyone works together and what they view as their collective strengths and gaps. 5. Find a feedback buddy. This individual plays the corporate equivalent of what the Navy SEALs term a swim buddy. For the SEALs, everyone in their BUDS training program is assigned an individual who goes everywhere, does everything and provides help and has your back. The role of the feedback buddy is a bit less extreme but still essential. This supporting character offers you the frank feedback on your performance that most team members are afraid to give. The Bottom-Line for Now The Im here and arent you excited new manager is annoying to everyone involved. The point in time when you assume responsibility for a group that is new to you is filled with ample opportunities to misstep and misfire. Dont let your mouth zulauf ahead of your brain. Instead, ask questions, li sten carefully and tread softly before you share your opinions.