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How to deal with lack of communication in the workplace

Is there anything more frustrating than a manager who is indifferent to the well-being of their employees and fails to provide guidance for daily tasks?

Managers, supervisors, and team leaders play a critical role in helping the team align with the company’s objectives.

However, when the person in charge is frequently absent or present but unwilling to support their employees, it becomes challenging to achieve the desired outcomes. This can be seen as a form of poor communication.

What is poor communication?

According to Your Thought Partner – an award-winning communication consulting firm – “poor communication is a breakdown that results from a discrepancy or disconnect between what is said and what is understood. This lack of mutual understanding can happen at the interpersonal level between colleagues or at an organisational level.”

The risks of this could leave both the company and its employees in a dangerous state.

The above-mentioned publication also notes that the lack of communication leads to two things, the first being negativity, and the other employee mistrust and low morale.

“Low productivity results when people don’t have the information or knowledge they feel they need. The reason is straightforward – people tend to avoid situations in which they will be seen as not knowing, not understanding or not having expertise,” explains Your Thought Partner.

Disconnected employees lead to absenteeism, low morale, and high turnover rates. It is therefore crucial for organisations to build a strong connection with their employees to keep them engaged and motivated for better business outcomes.

If you find yourself working under management who do not communicate their goals, this is how you can address the situation, according to My Hub Intranet:

  • Listen actively: It is important to listen attentively so that you can ask questions when you are unsure.
  • Do not be afraid to interrupt at the right moments.
  • Request regular one-on-ones, this will help you gain clarity about what is expected of you.
  • Be honest about the communication problem and express how you feel.

Also see: How to handle a job rejection

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