This year, we are taking a deep dive into the 7 principles that must be strong for your culture to thrive. This month we are making our second stop and talking about the essential role COMMUNICATION plays in healthy culture.
Ask any leader what keeps a team thriving, and chances are, communication will land at the top of the list. It’s the thread that connects people, aligns efforts, and builds trust. Without it, even the most talented teams can find themselves misaligned, unmotivated, and ultimately, ineffective.
The Role of Communication in a Healthy Culture
A healthy culture doesn’t just happen—it’s built, day by day, in the way people interact, share, and support one another. Here’s why strong communication is at the heart of that:
1. Builds Trust and Transparency: When people are kept in the loop—whether it’s good news, bad news, or uncertain updates—they feel respected and included. That trust builds the foundation for openness and accountability.
2. Reduces Confusion and Misalignment: Clear communication ensures everyone understands the goals, expectations, and their role in the bigger picture. When teams don’t communicate, assumptions grow, and mistakes follow.
3. Fosters Engagement and Belonging: When people are encouraged to speak up, share feedback, and feel heard, they’re more likely to stay engaged and committed. A culture of open communication tells people: “You matter here.”
4. Strengthens Collaboration: A leader must act ethically, take responsibility for their actions, and hold others accountable.
5. Decision Making: Effective communication breaks down silos and makes collaboration smoother. People know who’s doing what, where to go for answers, and how their work fits with others.’
Signs Your Communication Might Be Falling Short:
- You hear “I didn’t know about that” too often.
- Teams work in silos, duplicating efforts, or missing deadlines.
- Feedback loops are slow or non-existent.
- People are disengaged, hesitant to speak up, or unclear on expectations.
- Meetings are frequent but unproductive—or barely happen at all.
If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to level up how your team communicates.
How to Improve Communication in Your Culture
1. Set the Tone from the Top: Leaders need to model the kind of communication they want to see—clear, consistent, and transparent. If leadership isn’t talking, teams won’t either.
2. Create Regular Touch-points: Weekly check-ins, team huddles, or monthly town halls keep the conversation flowing and reduce surprises. Don’t just talk to people—make space for dialogue.
3. Clarify Channels and Expectations: Everyone should know where to go for what. Use email for formal updates, Slack for quick questions, and meetings for collaboration. Set guidelines so nothing falls through the cracks.
4. Encourage Candid Feedback: Create safe spaces where people can raise concerns or ideas without fear of backlash. Whether it’s anonymous surveys or open-door policies, make it clear that feedback is valued.
5. Use Tools That Support Connection: Don’t rely solely on in-person chats or emails. Invest in communication tools that fit your team’s workflow—whether that’s project management platforms, chat apps, or digital bulletin boards.
6. Train for Better Communication: Not everyone comes equipped with great communication skills. Offer training in active listening, giving feedback, and having hard conversations—it can transform how people work together.
A strong culture isn’t just about perks and mission statements—it’s about how people communicate, every single day. When communication is open, consistent, and respectful, it creates a culture where people feel connected, aligned, and ready to do their best work.
If you’re not there yet, that’s okay. Start small, stay intentional, and remember: better communication builds better culture. Contact us today to learn more.
