Train Managers to Communicate Effectively A changing workplace

Train Managers to Communicate Effectively A changing workplace means communication context is more complex than ever. SAMPLE Learn about becoming a member Mc. Lean & Company is a research and advisory firm that provides practical solutions to human resources challenges with executable research, tools, and advice that will have a Mc. Lean & Company is a research and advisory firm providing practical solutions to human resources challenges©via executable research, tools and advice that clear and measurable impact on your business. 1997 -2019 Mc. Lean & Company. have a clear and measurable impact on your business. © 1997 -2019 Mc. Lean & Company. Mc. Lean Company is a division of Info-Tech Group. Mc. Lean & Company is a & division of Info-Tech Research Group. Research Inc. Mc. Lean & Company 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Key Insight: Situation • A one-size-fits-all communication strategy is no longer sufficient for the demands of today’s complex communications environment. • Employees of managers who communicate effectively are up to four times more likely to be engaged than employees of those who don't. Improving communication has a positive impact on productivity, efficiency, organizational reputation, and financial performance. • Communication context considerations are more complex in the workplaces of today, challenging managers to “think before they speak” like never before. • Context frames the purpose of communication. It is intent, word choice, speed of speech, body language, and intonation. Context is always present but often overlooked. Effective communication takes context into account. Complication • The rapid rate of communication and the increase in verbal and written channels puts increased pressure on managers to consider the communication process. • Direct reports are dispersed across domestic and international sites, representing multiple cultures and generations. This adds to the strain on communications. Resolution • • • Identify where these complexities exist in your organization. Establish clear guidelines on effective and appropriate use of communication channels. Increase awareness and train managers to successfully navigate these complexities. Training components include: o Effective communication and why it matters. o Changing workplace and impact on communication. o Model communication culture and values. SAMPLE Mc. Lean & Company 2

MCLEAN & COMPANY OFFERS VARIOUS LEVELS OF SUPPORT TO BEST SUIT YOUR NEEDS DIY TOOLKIT GUIDED IMPLEMENTATION “Our team has already made this critical project a priority, and we have the time and capability, but some guidance along the way would be helpful. ” “Our team knows that we need to fix a process, but we need assistance to determine where to focus. Some checkins along the way would help keep us on track. ” WORKSHOP CONSULTING “We need to hit the ground running and get this project kicked off immediately. Our team has the ability to take this over once we get a framework and strategy in place. ” “Our team does not have the time or the knowledge to take this project on. We need assistance through the entirety of this project. ” Diagnostics and consistent frameworks used throughout all four options SAMPLE Mc. Lean & Company 3

Leverage the Mc. Lean & Company process to develop managers’ communication skills 2 1 SAMPLE Deliver manager training Customize the manager training deck Assess current communications effectiveness Effectiveness Feedback 3 Mc. Lean & Company 4

SAMPLE SLIDES SAMPLE Mc. Lean & Company 5

Effective manager communication has a distinct, direct impact on employee engagement % Engaged Respondents The impact of manager communication on employee engagement 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% I clearly understand what is expected of me on the job. My manager keeps me well informed about decisions that affect me. Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree A clear relationship exists between how effective a manager’s communication is perceived to be and an employee’s level of engagement. SAMPLE My manager provides me with high-quality feedback. Agree Strongly Agree Mc. Lean & Company, 2018 N=142, 003 Only 13% of employees strongly agree that their leaders are effectively communicating with the organization (Gallup, 2017). Mc. Lean & Company 6

Organizational success relies on effective manager communication Operations • Reduce mistakes by clearly communicating expectations. • Complete projects on time and on budget with improved communication. • Organizations with highly engaged employees outperform their peers by 147% in earnings per share (Gallup, 2017). Increase production-boosting revenues. Human Resources • Avoid potential litigation resulting from unclear or inappropriate communications. • Increase engagement: according to a SHRM report, manager relationships were rated as the third most important condition for engagement (SHRM, 2016). Finance Marketing • Ensure that managers clearly communicate and adhere to financial regulations. • Ensure alignment of employer brand organizational brand. • 44% of employees do not feel senior leaders are providing clear direction about where their organization is headed (IBM & Globoforce, 2017). • Engaged employees have five times higher organizational commitment than those with low engagement (Mc. Lean & Company, 2017; N=174, 568). Increase revenue through productivity increases, and reduce the cost of litigation. • Improve the perception of the organizational reputation among employees. Reduce costs associated with noncompliance. Increase attraction and retention of key talent. Mc. Lean & Company insight Effective communication practices are critical in the quest to become more agile, reducing the need for an extensive network of processes and procedures. Effective communication starts with people managers, as employees interface with them daily. SAMPLE Mc. Lean & Company 7

Recognize evolving communication pressures Challenge Lesson Learned Communication now occurs faster People do not think before sending written communications. • Faster is not always better. • When possible, take the time to carefully consider the message and the method of delivery. Communication occurs through a number of channels As a result of internal channels and the increasing prevalence of social media, employees often hear news through outlets that are beyond the organization’s control. • Managers are a key resource for consistency in messaging. • Manager communication demands are evolving from information sharing to information gathering. Communication is constant, through a variety of channels, making it difficult to discern valuable messages from noise. • Managers must be active listeners to lead employees through message overload. • Managers must verify that the valuable messages are received and understood. Communication is asynchronous Technology creates a disconnect, as messages are sent and received at different times. • Managers must provide context with messages. • If the information is time-sensitive, then a channel that guarantees immediate reception should be used. Mc. Lean & Company insight The rapid rate of communication combined with the increase in channels puts increased demands on managers’ communications competency in all interactions with employees. SAMPLE Mc. Lean & Company 8

MCLEAN & COMPANY HELPS HR PROFESSIONALS TO: Maintain a progressive set of HR policies & procedures Develop effective talent acquisition & retention strategies Demonstrate the business impact of HR Build a high performance culture Stay abreast of HR trends & technologies “ Now, more than ever, HR leaders need to help their organizations maximize the value of their people. Mc. Lean & Company offers the tools, diagnostics, and programs to drive measurable results. “ Empower management to apply HR best practices – Jennifer Rozon, Vice President, Mc. Lean & Company Sign up to have access to our extensive selection of practical solutions for your HR challenges LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MEMBER Toll Free: 1 -877 -281 -0480 SAMPLE hr. mcleanco. com Mc. Lean & Company 9