Great contributors do not automatically make great leaders. Our experience has shown that the skills required to perform as an individual are much different from the skills critical to leading a team.

We know that managers and supervisors who don't have the skills required to lead are a "disaster waiting to happen." In fact, their failure can have a negative impact on an entire organization. The skill level of managers and supervisors affects team member retention, overall productivity, even profitability. In fact, it's the relationship between manager/supervisor and team member that's critical to the success of an organization. And a strong relationship, built on mutual trust and respect, begins with effective interpersonal communication.

By developing your interpersonal communication skills, you will improve your relations with your team members and increase their motivation, commitment and productivity. Here are some developmental tips:

• Make sure that communication a two-way process.  That is, work on understanding your team members' views; don't just focus on getting your message across and being understood by others. 
• Try to understand your team members' personality and communication style.  Each person has his or her own style of communication that can inhibit communication if it isn't taken into consideration.
• When you talk with your team members, it is important that you convey your ideas in a way that is clear and concise, and in the interest of the listener.  Think about how you can say something that will speak to their self-interest.  That will insure that they will listen to you, at least most of the time.
• Watch your body language and facial expressions when talking with your team.  If "what you say" doesn't match "how you say it," they will believe how you say it every time!
• Listen actively to those who are talking with you.  You listening actively by paying attention, asking good questions and giving them feedback on their ideas.
• Be sure to create a climate of open communication if you really want to impact team member motivation and commitment.  You can do this by encouraging and allowing them to express their opinions, and discussing problems in a way that is mutually satisfying.

By improving your interpersonal communication skills you will motivate your team to achieve higher levels of performance and productivity.  Failure to communication effectively is a recipe for disaster.  Visit us at www.watson-training.com.