Don’t take effective communication for granted

As the COVID-19 pandemic forces many of us to work from home, communication can quickly become a challenge. But there are several strategies organizations can use to ensure that information is being transmitted smoothly and effectively, according to David Hofstetter, a professor at Clark University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS).

In his presentation, “The importance of communication during uncertain times,” Hofstetter provides tips for improving communication throughout your workplace, including:

• Keeping your team engaged
• Supporting your team through disruption and uncertainty
• Strategies for communication with your team

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it’s taken place,” he says.

Hofstetter looks at organizations that communicated well both internally and externally, as well as organizations that missed the mark on communication — and what it cost them. He recommends using good questioning and good paraphrasing to figure out whether a message has been received effectively.

“If you’re trying to communicate with somebody and you’re not getting through, it may be because of a preference of how they want to receive that information,” Hofstetter says.

Want to learn more? View the full version of the webinar, which is part of the SPS Talks webinar series, “Staying Effective in Uncertain Times.” Offered by Clark faculty members, the interactive webinars address organizational and personal leadership topics relevant to these stressful times.