In last week’s article we introduced the three key elements of communication that affect team performance according to a recent study measuring the effectiveness of teams. The key elements identified are:
- Energy – how members contribute to a team as a whole
- Engagement – how team members communicate with one another
- Exploration – how teams communicate with one another
This week we are looking at the part energy plays in the communication of effective teams. Energy is the measure of the number and the nature of exchanges between team members. These exchanges could take several different forms:
- Face to face comments
- Acknowledgement by head nod or other body gesture
- Phone
- Video conference
- Email or Texting
The most valuable form of communication is face to face. Emailing and texting are the least valuable and can be easily misunderstood. This does present challenges for teams as multiple generations are active in the workforce. Younger generations have grown up with more electronic forms of communication that older generations may not be as comfortable with using. Therefore, the importance of establishing a common understanding with the team of when it is appropriate to call or visit someone personally; when to phone; when to video conference ; and when to email or text.
More exchanges do not necessarily mean better communication. Reaching a common understanding during each exchange between team members, regardless of the type of communication is the ultimate goal.
Next week: “Engagement – How Team Members Communicate with One Another”
*(Source: Harvard Business Review, “The New Science of Building Great Teams”, by Alex “Sandy” Pentland)
