Communication in the Work Team

"The art of communication is the language of leadership." James C. Humes
Communication is the cornerstone of a work team.

Dialogue, discussion and the exchange of ideas facilitate the consensus and the definition of objectives.

In a conversation, it is not only important what is said, but also how it is said and from what emotional space it is said.

When there is open and assertive communication in a work team, a space is created in which its members can establish agreements and identify mistakes, which provides learning opportunities. It also facilitates the flow of ideas and optimizes processes.

It is in this environment of frank and effective communication where people can pool their knowledge, skills and values for the common benefit. That is, together, they generate new knowledge, learn from their mistakes and discover their strengths. 

In a work team where there are adequate communication mechanisms, internal synergy is stimulated, cooperative links among its members are strengthened and creative processes are improved.

To communicate effectively, it is not only necessary to know how to speak, but also how to listen. In this way, it is possible to know the feelings and expectations of others, as well as their reality and the arguments they put forward.

Active listening goes hand in hand with empathy, through which it is possible to generate an environment of trust and security in the team and the right attitude to reach agreements and resolve conflicts.

We can then speak of empathic listening, by which we receive the interlocutor's message without prejudice, and understand him from his own frame of reference, both intellectual and emotional.

Empathic listening implies accessing the other person's world, which does not mean thinking or feeling as he does, but respecting his arguments and emotions and being interested in his points of view.

If there is any doubt about what the other person expresses, it is necessary to ask questions that bring us closer to the reality of the other person, to his points of view and to his own vision of the world.

Well-formulated questions invite us to observe the details, to go deeper into the analysis of situations or problems from different perspectives and to develop new ways of solving them.

In addition to promoting dialogue and discussion of ideas, posing questions allows the team to explore options for planning, execution and alternative ways of achieving the team's objectives.

The questions must be clear and without ulterior motives; therefore, it is necessary to ask them without the pretense of advising, correcting or trying to convince.
By being listened to, team members feel that their opinions are valued and taken into account.

Effective communication within the different work teams facilitates the implementation of changes that may be necessary for the organization, making it more competitive.
It is also an integrating and motivating element that fosters commitment, responsibility and sense of belonging of its members.

When the work team is able to establish an open and healthy dialogue, its members can align themselves and generate a shared vision that will lead them to generate the desired results.