Good communication in a team is essential to its success. Indeed, teamwork and communication are closely linked. That’s why sufficiently frequent, high-quality communication has many advantages. For example, it
– encourages open dialogue,
– helps keep meetings on schedule,
– contributes to respectful relationships,
– contributes to a good team performance.
Without good communication, teams end up wasting time in unproductive meetings and pointless discussions. In the worst case, collaboration can fail, team spirit weaken and conflicts fester.
Here are 4 points you can observe to improve your team communication:
1) Tactful communication
It is the ability to convey a message clearly and sensitively, so that no one is unintentionally offended.
2) Friedemann Schulz von Thun’s four-ears model
A message we send has four facets that carry four pieces of information that will be interpreted by our interlocutor, depending on his mood and relationship with us.
a) The basic information.
b) The call (what we want the other person to do).
c) The quality of the relationship of both interlocutors (how it is said and the non-verbal language).
d) The self-disclosure: Our messages give information about ourselves, our expectations, moods and emotions.
We are therefore clear in our communication when our interlocutors understand not only what we say, but also what we mean by it.
3) Using „I-messages“ to defuse conflict
In „I-messages“, the speaker focuses on his own feelings, thoughts or needs, without accusing, judging or negatively evaluating the other person.
A „you-message“ focuses on the other person. It often includes statements about the other person’s behavior or characteristics. It is generally perceived as critical, accusatory or judgmental, and can lead to misunderstanding, conflict and defensive behavior.
Example:
a) I didn’t understand your explanation of the problem and therefore can’t deal with it. („I-message“: constructive).
b) You haven’t explained the problem properly, so I can’t deal with it („You-message“: unfavorable, even destructive).
„I-messages“ indicate that personal perception is subjective, and let interlocutors decide whether or not they accept our statements.
4) The basics of non-violent communication (NVC)
Developed by Marshall Rosenberg, NVC is:
– an intrinsic and voluntary attitude in our dealings with ourselves and others.
– a four-step communication technique:
a) Observe a situation, and then describe it without judgment or evaluation.
b) Express your feelings about the situation.
c) Clarify the needs that are the source of your feelings.
d) Make a request that meets the criteria: feasible, concrete, precise and positively formulated. If possible, the action should be feasible right away.
Rosenberg formulates NVC as follows:
„If a), then I feel b) because I need/want c). That’s why I’d like to d) now“.
💥 I am Jean Tiegom, Team Performance Coach
