Facilitating good communication can make the difference between a well oiled, effective team and disorganization and ambiguity. By following the tips below, you, the supervisor, can take steps toward improving communication with your employees:

1.Sure you're their boss, but people listen better when you show respect and consideration. Remember how you felt in school when the teacher talked down to you? When employees are treated as adults, they are more likely to act like adults.

2. Explain such things as work orders, rules, and the reasons the task is necessary. If people understand why they get assignments and what the work is about, they will cooperate more and do a better job.

3. Be certain you and your employees have the same understanding of the task. Ask them to tell you in their own words what they heard. You can do the same by saying, "Okay, what you're saying is . . .", and reviewing what they said to you.

4. Think about how to give directions and assignments clearly. Review, in your mind, what you are going to say to see if it could be misunderstood before you say it.

5. Try to keep calm and cool. --Even at busy times when all are under pressure, you can help by communicating clearly and calmly. If you get upset others will too. That won't help get the job done. --Yelling is not good communicating. People don't hear well or accurately when you or they are hot under the collar. --Being cool in hot situations will earn you your employees' respect, understanding, and support. Remember: Good communication and good performance go together.

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CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.