DETROIT – The smooth operation of a team requires excellent communication at every level. This includes interactions with those external to the core team but is principally relevant to your teammates and managers. When communication is hampered in any way, projects slow down and productivity hugely decreases.

Whether you are an employer, a manager, a project leader or a team member, it is important to know how to boost team communication so that work is streamlined, and results are achieved both in a timely and successful manner. Here are a few ways that you can improve communication within your working team.

Share Goals

Although different members in a team will have their own individual tasks and priorities, it is important to remember the shared goal of the team. Make it plain what the shared goals are and regularly remind the team what they are working towards as a whole. Sometimes individuals or subgroups can become consumed by their own tasks within a project and forget the overarching aims, which can, in turn, render their final results less effective. Overcome this by keeping shared goals at the front of each team member’s mind. Similarly, it can be useful to invite team members to share what they are working on with others in the team, even if they have very different roles. It can be helpful to hear what a colleague is working on to better facilitate another task, even if they are performed by different sections of the team. Ideas from team members outside of a subgroup can help to generate fresh solutions.

Don’t Misuse Communication Channels

Misusing, underusing, or overusing different communication channels can impede your project in a variety of ways. If your team uses their official project group chat to only share their personal lives, this will inevitably distract from their work. Similarly, relying only upon a casual team chat for essential project information can make it unnecessarily difficult to track this information down at a later date. It is important to ensure that modes of communication are used as intended wherever possible. This includes only calling a meeting when absolutely necessary so that valuable time isn’t wasted.

Make the Most of Your Team with Management Software

When you have a clearer idea about what each of your team members’ unique qualities are and what they can bring to the table, you will be better able to place them within the optimal areas of the project. This means allocating them to teams where their skills are put to full use. Take a look at coAmplifi for workforce management software that can help you make the most of your workforce.

Lead by Example

When looking to improve communication within your team, it starts with you. Leaders not only encourage others but also demonstrate the qualities that they wish to see in their team. This means conveying ideas clearly, listening well to others, and making it easy for your team.

Bio: James Daniels is a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, who can while away hours reading and knowing about the latest gadgets and tech, whilst offering views and opinions on these topics.