It all starts with our executive team focusing on transparency and engaging with the broader leadership group to provide all employees a greater understanding of the big picture. In fact, we have dedicated team members whose responsibility it is to bridge the gap between the executive level and the broader business. We also focus on cross-department collaboration. Our leaders are held accountable to create partnerships fostering trust where people are encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and provide solutions. All of these things combined have opened the lines of communication so everyone can move in the same direction.
— Sharron Walsh, CEO, Isagenix International
Alignment is key to open corporate communications. 4Life’s executive team enjoys copasetic interdepartmental relationships and vertical harmonies. Both have been essential throughout this pandemic, during which time non-essential workers moved offsite. Our HR and technology teams were essential in rotating in-office employees to home-based solutions. In terms of platforms: we now use Microsoft TEAMS. Finally, there’s content. Communication is “open” until non-participation closes it down. 4Life offers tons of relevant content and personal development opportunities to unite (and ignite) employees.
— Calvin Jolley, Vice President Corporate Communications, 4Life Research
At Griddy, our culture is based on two essential values: transparency and authenticity. We’re creating a community where everyone is encouraged to be their true selves by sharing their thoughts, perspectives and ideas without any fear of judgement. Our community members know that we not only value a diversity of ideas, we celebrate them! At every possible opportunity, we invite honest feedback from our customers, representatives, employees and executives. This improves everyone’s awareness while also deepening the trust that we can always be honest and authentic with one another, knowing that each of our unique perspectives is truly valued.
— Michael Fallquist, CEO, Griddy
Open communication suffers in an environment of fear. If employees fear for their jobs, their opportunities for advancement, or other reprisal, open communication will never be possible. The best way leadership can promote open communication is to model it. By showing a little vulnerability and more frequently showcasing their own humanity, the C-suite can encourage honesty, passion, and free-flowing thought. All are necessary for true problem-solving and innovation. Companies should encourage bringing your whole self to work and not view employees as emotionless button pushers…the culture and work product will be all the better for it.
— Colette Dahl, Chief Experience Officer, Unicity Intl
One of the reasons for Modere’s current success is our commitment to communicate in excess. That communication is a two-way street. We want to ensure that everyone in the company has a clear understanding of the company’s vision, priorities, and focus and, likewise, we also want to always be aware of any concerns of staff or social marketers. To that end, we have increased our quarterly “town hall” meetings to weekly Zoom meetings with management and bi-weekly meetings with the entire team. I encourage a culture in which any of our team members feel they can reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns. The data backs it up – our semi-annual survey reports record ratings on communication from management.
— Asma Ishaq, CEO, Modere
At DirectScale, the best ideas win, regardless of where they come from. We extend trust, give the benefit of the doubt and we don’t assume. We make space to get everyone’s voice in the room so they feel heard and understood. We value the expression of diverse opinions and people speaking truth without fear. After listening to understand, we can respectfully disagree and challenge ideas, but then commit to decisions as a team. This requires checking egos and keeping open minds so we can effectively address issues. Open communication empowers our team to keep winning and stay focused on helping our customers win.
— Rodger Smith, CEO, DirectScale
Link to share this article: https://socialsellingnews.com/link/how-do-you-promote-open-communication-in-your-company-5783/