Recently, David Burkus observed a fascinating discussion about the importance of fostering open communication within teams. The conversation centered on a critical aspect of team dynamics: encouraging candor, building team trust, and creating an environment where team members feel comfortable speaking up, especially when they disagree.
The concept of interpersonal risk in team settings particularly caught my attention. When team members hesitate to voice their disagreements or concerns, valuable perspectives get lost. This observation made me consider how leaders can actively promote more honest and open dialogue.
Transforming Team Communication
A significant insight emerged about how we phrase our invitations for feedback. The traditional approach of asking, “Does anyone have any questions?” often falls short. This method subtly places the burden on team members to speak up, potentially creating barriers to open communication.
Instead, consider these more effective approaches:
- “Before we wrap up, we’re heading towards consensus. What am I missing?”
- “What questions do we have?” rather than “Any questions?”
These alternative phrasings shift responsibility from the team members to the leader. When I use “What questions do we have?” I acknowledge that I might lack clarity and create a more welcoming space for discussion.
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The Power of Personal Responsibility
The most compelling aspect of this approach is how it changes the underlying message. Rather than suggesting that team members might not understand (which could make them hesitant to speak up), it communicates that the leader takes responsibility for any potential lack of clarity.
What if we took it on ourselves to have more candor?
This simple shift in language can significantly change team dynamics. By taking ownership of the communication process, leaders can build an environment where team members feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns.
The effectiveness of this approach lies in its ability to remove barriers to communication. When leaders demonstrate vulnerability by acknowledging they might not have explained something clearly enough, others are permitted to engage more openly in the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is team trust is essential in communications?
Candor helps build trust and ensures all team members can contribute their perspectives, leading to better decision-making and stronger team relationships. It allows for the identification of potential issues before they become problems.
Q: How can leaders encourage more open dialogue in their teams?
Leaders can encourage open dialogue by changing their language patterns, taking responsibility for clarity, and creating a safe space for questions and concerns. Using inclusive phrases and acknowledging their own potential shortcomings in communication helps create this environment.
Q: What are the benefits of changing from “Any questions?” to “What questions do you have?”
This change shifts the responsibility from the team members to the leader, making it easier for people to speak up. It assumes questions exist and needs to be addressed rather than suggesting that having questions indicates a lack of understanding.
Q: How can team members contribute to creating a more open communication environment?
Team members can actively participate by sharing their thoughts when invited, asking clarifying questions, and supporting others when they speak up. They can also practice active listening and show respect for different viewpoints.
Q: What signs a team lacks candor in their communications?
Signs include quick consensus without discussion, few questions during meetings, limited participation from most team members, and issues that surface after decisions have been made. These indicators suggest people might not feel comfortable speaking up.
