The Impact From a Lack of Communication

What is one common theme I have seen in my career from startups to the Fortune 500?

A lack of communication will eat away at your culture and team. I have seen it with myself and others. When there is minimal communication it leads to people running WCS* scripts in their heads. (Worst Case Scenarios).

Once these worst case ideas are in the minds of your people they will begin talking with others. If people do not understand what their leaders are doing they may create ideas on what is going on and rumors form. Rumors then become like a gas can where anything can quickly ignite and spread these false narratives around the team.

It becomes worse if you have inconsistent communication and then schedule individual meetings as cortisol levels will be rising. If your people have been working through all the bad scenarios in their head it will cause them to be worried about meetings especially if scheduled at the last minute.

How can we calm the fears of our teams and get everyone on the same page? It honestly does not take much as taking a few minutes each day (or perhaps a weekly meeting) can help everyone feel like they are in alignment with the leaders of the organization.

It does not take much to calm these WCS scripts and keep everyone on the same page:

✔️Having quick check ins helps even if there are no significant developments/changes

✔️Give TIMELY feedback and not at a review time.

✔️Ask questions. Don’t expect your team or subordinates to be the conversation starter.

✔️Email updates can work in between in person/video meetings.

✔️Encourage people to speak up about any successes by individuals/teams

✔️If you have a foundation of trust this all becomes so much easier.

What do you think?