“Poor communication or lack thereof can also lead to tension, frustration, and disappointment.” FOUR STEPS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Welcome readers! Happy New Year and welcome to Leading the Way. It’s hard to believe the calendar has turned to January and 2019. With the new year comes that age-old tradition of resolutions, such as your goal to lose ten lbs., between January 1st and Denver Stock Show, or spend more time with family and friends. I wish you the best on your 2019 resolutions and encourage you to add one more to your list:
January 2019
Communica tion.
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January begins a busy time for many farms and ranches. The winter stock show season is in full swing, calving is just around the corner, and many of you may be preparing for your annual bull sale. Busy times can make us feel like we don’t have time to communicate. Instead, we choose to send a text to check up to see if chores got done or an instant message to the night calving person. All seems well and done, until days and weeks pass, and you can’t recall the last time you had a
face-to-face discussion with family members involved in your business or your employees. Here are four tips to effective face-to-face communication.
1)
Be Clear
Clear, direct communication will create a better working environment. For example, trying to give directions or explain a situation when the other person is busy completing a task around the farm or there is loud equipment in the background may result in unclear and ineffective communication. If the person only hears half of what you are trying to tell them, directions can easily be misunderstood, tasks not completed correctly, or mistakes made. Take the time to be sure the individual can concentrate on what you are trying to communicate to them and ask if they understood the discussion to reinforce your message. If you are in a leading role, you are not only responsible for initiating communication but also responsible for their understanding. Strive to make sure all members of your
team understand how critical communication is in creating positive outcomes. Poor communication or lack thereof can also lead to tension, frustration, and disappointment. When these communication barriers surface, effective communication is halted.
2)
Be Courteous
Communication flows more smoothly, and trust is built when positive interpersonal relationships develop between individuals. Family members or employees who are part of your seedstock operation will feel more comfortable approaching management or those in the leadership role. The result is enhanced satisfaction, improved work ethic and increased likelihood that individuals will keep working together. Let those you direct know how much you value the flow of information, what is expected, and that you are willing to listen. Outline opportunities for them to communicate with you. If a set time and location is not determined, then time passes by, and regular communication can get lost. Daily
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