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Writer's pictureLeyda Lazo, SHRM-SCP

Navigating the Communication Gap: Empowering Managers to Connect Better

In every business, success hinges not only on the hard work of employees but, importantly, on those chosen to guide them towards the company's objectives: the managers.





Yet, a surprising Harris Poll for Interact reveals a difficult reality - nearly 70% of managers feel uneasy about communicating with their employees. This fact is not just worrying; it demands attention as it highlights a problem that could seriously harm a workplace's internal harmony.


Here's the domino effect of this issue: when managers duck out of important chats, skimp on the pats on the back, or gloss over the tough talks, things start falling apart. It’s not just about a few ruffled feathers; we’re talking about a drop in performance, ignored achievements, and the birth of a ‘them vs. us’ culture.


Worse still, this gap creates an every-person-for-themselves zone where trust is as rare as a unicorn, and mistakes are swept under the rug. 


What's the fallout? Everything starts slipping—productivity, efficiency, and before you know it, the bottom line starts feeling the pinch. We're not talking about a few hurt egos here; we're talking about the kind of losses that have everyone in the boardroom sweating.

This uneasiness leads to multiple negative outcomes. When managers avoid giving helpful criticism, recognizing good effort, showing real care, or even providing clear instructions, it doesn't just cause small issues; it seriously disrupts business operations. In this scenario, poor performance isn't addressed, deserving work is ignored, and a noticeable barrier grows between staff and supervisors.


Now, not everyone is cut from the managerial cloth, and that’s perfectly fine. But, pushing someone out of a leadership role isn’t always the play. The real deal is nurturing - shaping those rough-around-the-edges managers into leaders. With a solid plan, some top-tier training, and hands-on experience, they can get past their jitters and start building a well-oiled, high-performance environment.


Laying the Foundation: Strategies for Aspiring Managers


Setting the Stage: What Future Managers Need

Before anyone gets the keys to the managerial washroom, it’s vital to check if they’ve got what it takes. Being a leader is more than being a top performer; it’s about having a mix of guts, understanding, a peacekeeper’s finesse, and clear, kind judgment.


  • Leadership Litmus Test: Give potential leaders a taste of responsibility. Watch how they handle it; some initial nerves are okay, but if they’re still looking like a deer in headlights later on, they might not be ready for the big leagues.

  • Leadership Toolbox: Spot the folks who have a natural spark for leading and load them up with the skills they need. Investing in their growth through workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs isn’t just good for them; it’s your way of betting on your organization’s future.Shaping the Role: Methods for Existing Managers


Tuning Up: How to Help Current Managers


And for the managers already in the trenches but struggling? They need a helping hand, especially with getting their words right.


  • Training to Succeed: Craft training sessions that target their weak spots. Getting better at communicating isn’t just a personal win; it sets the tone for the entire team.

  • Keeping Track: Set up a way to keep your managers in check, just like they do for their teams. Regular feedback, real talk, and clear objectives keep them on track and in sync with the company’s heartbeat.

  • Back on Course: If the usual tactics aren’t cutting it, a clear, structured improvement plan can be the GPS they need to find their way. But if things don’t pick up, hard choices may be on the horizon, including a possible role re-evaluation.


To wrap it up, managing isn’t a walk in the park; it’s more like a hike on unpredictable paths, needing a blend of bravery, smarts, and real, human connections.


Yes, it’s a path strewn with awkward, tough conversations, but avoiding them isn’t an option. 


True leaders tackle these head-on, creating a space of honesty, respect, and shared success. It’s this human touch that doesn’t just lift one person; it boosts the entire team, pushing the whole organization up the ladder of success.

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