I’ve been thinking and writing about communication lately…why it’s important, how it should be done, and how it overshadows many other organizational challenges that may initially be perceived as “the real problem.” To that end, a big part of communication is accuracy.
That means I shouldn’t be worrying about getting played, hearing a version of the story that the other person wants me to hear, or simply being fed the wrong information. (I call that last one lying.)
Intent v Self-Preservation
Before we get too far down the trail let me say that the overwhelming majority of people do not intentionally lie in the workplace. They come to work, put forth a lot of energy doing good work, and then head home after a busy day or night. However, the challenges are more pronounced during periods of rapid change. Old routines are disrupted, expectations are evolving, and the self-confidence that once fueled the work day is not quite so strong.
This leads to a focus on self-preservation, not on effective communication.
Break Through
So how does an organization break through the feeling of a chaotic work life and establish a new sense of stability? The answer is our old friend communication. When the pace transitions from a state of business-as-usual to a perceived state of chaos, it’s time to pull the team together and talk.
Whatever you feel is ultimately necessary, no one on the team will fault you for pausing momentarily to bring the team together and get everyone grounded again.
How About You
What steps are you taking to provide calm leadership during a stormy time? Regardless of how you feel about the changes going on, it’s imperative that HR step up and help the organization’s leaders settle down, so the real work can get done.
I’d love to hear from you.
No Excuses.