Many entrepreneurs today are searching for effective ways to increase productivity in the workplace. However, they might not be aware of the true pillars that create productivity and their significant role in achieving prosperity and expansion. So, what are these pillars, and what is their importance in the work environment?
Entrepreneurs should recognize the crucial role of communication and respect in the business environment. They must consider these pillars when realizing the vision and strategic direction. An emotionally intelligent and communicative manager who values respect can make their team thrive and achieve consecutive successes.
Effective communication enhances productivity and builds trust among team members. Good and flexible communication helps employees understand their tasks, which increases transparency, fosters excellent teamwork, and reduces conflicts. In today's world, everyone wants to be heard, understood, and have their opinions acknowledged, whether you're an employee wanting your achievements recognized or a manager wanting your employee to understand your plans, strategies, and vision.
The most successful companies today are those that foster environments with employees who consider respect a fundamental cornerstone in their communication and interaction. Respect shapes the future of the company and aids in achieving numerous goals and aspirations. A poignant quote from the author of the book Crucial Conversations encapsulates this idea: "Respect is like air. As long as it's present, nobody thinks about it. But if you take it away, it's all that people can think about."
How can companies achieve pillars of communication and respect in the work environment?
Using applications that facilitate work and provide quick solutions to potential problems in the workplace can contribute to success. A team can facilitate communication and make it more flexible by using applications such as Slack, Asana, and others.
Additionally, offering morning greetings can make employees feel energetic, active, and respected.
Body language during listening makes the employee feel appreciated and respected, as it makes them feel that you understand and respond to what they are saying. Maintaining good communication with employees and discussing their personal matters boosts morale and love for work. Remember to listen to understand, not just to reply, and don’t be like those Stephan Covey described saying “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Indeed, a good employee is one who listens to understand. And don’t forget one beautiful meaning of leadership: “To lower your voice and boost others’ voices.”
Continuous meetings provide ongoing communication among employees, offering the opportunity for them to express themselves away from formality. Meetings also help understand the positions of all employees, promoting communication and respect between individuals in the workplace.
Effectively involving employees in choosing their preferred communication methods enhances communication. Some employees prefer communicating through meetings and face-to-face conversations while others may prefer communicating online or via emails. The principle of choice makes employees feel that their opinion matters, fostering mutual respect.
An employee who communicates with colleagues in the work environment with confidence and respect, responding to them quickly and energetically, enhances the value of good communication between them and their peers. This positively influences the achievement of the company's goals. Conversely, speaking casually with coworkers and not responding promptly indicates a lack of interest, potentially causing problems that may impact the company's productivity later.
Every employee needs to feel the value of their work, desiring respect and appreciation for their efforts and achievements. Praising their work and accomplishments motivates them to achieve more.
It's crucial to contain any conflicts that may arise in the workplace. The ability to contain conflicts is a key skill in conflict resolution, and effective communication under the pressure of the conflict is essential for resolving and containing it.
Accepting others' differences helps in performance development, broadens creativity, generates new ideas, and, most importantly, avoids conflicts. Let’s imagine you’re promoting a certain idea in your workplace, and while talking about it, another employee criticizes it. Accepting the criticism not only helps improve your idea but also earns you your colleague's appreciation for your reaction and respect.
These pillars lie at the heart of everything we do in the business environment. Losing them threatens the survival of companies. On the other hand, their application reduces conflicts, nurtures talents and capabilities, enhances work participation, opens the door to better customer relationships, and, most importantly, equips every employee with the tools to convey their goals and ideas effectively.
In conclusion, if you really want to, you can achieve these pillars and earn others’ respect. Ralph Waldo Emerson says, "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." Being a master of these pillars is the key to success in any work environment. You might have the greatest idea in the world, but if you can't communicate it, the idea is useless because it will never materialize.
