One thing I frequently see in my small business consulting firm is small companies that do not have clear communication protocols. When you are running a team, the most important thing is ensuring clarity and openness of communications to streamline your workflow. To that end, let’s discuss how a fractional chief operating officer can foster open communication and collaboration in the workplace.
Contact Susan Giddings Consulting today to schedule fractional COO consulting services!
Use the Right Tools
In today’s world of remote work, choosing the right communication tools is more important than ever. Employees need systems that give them real-time access to work-critical information and meetings. Tools such as online messaging, video conferencing, and document sharing are becoming practically standard in today’s digitally dominated business world. If you want to go all the way, you can invest in full-service project management software to keep communication and documentation in the same place.
Centralize Documentation
Part of effective communication is ensuring that everyone is on the same page. To that end, it is difficult to effectively communicate when teams don’t have access to the same information and documentation.
One option is to have all team documentation in a centralized location, such as a central document hub. One very popular solution I recommend in fractional COO consulting nowadays is using cloud-based solutions for document storage and sharing.
Cloud-based systems give all connected team members access to the same systems and can also be used to back up important documentation in case physical servers go down.
Do Regular Check-Ins
Employees appreciate feeling like their ideas and concerns are heard. A common problem in meeting rooms is that one or a few employees are passed over, making them feel like their contributions and ideas are not relevant. This kind of friction can foster a closed mindset where they are hesitant to share ideas.
That is why it helps to do regular check-ins with individual employees. You can ask them about their ideas and any concerns in the workplace. Employees are more motivated and more likely to share their ideas when they feel like their voice is being heard.
Ask for Feedback
A healthy workplace is one where employees can air their suggestions without fear of judgment. Your business should have some kind of suggestion box system where employees can give feedback. Making the suggestions anonymous can also help as employees might then be more willing to bring up subjects they would otherwise feel uncomfortable about.
It’s not enough to just take feedback — you have to act on it as well. Asking for feedback but not actually implementing ideas sends the message to employees that their ideas do not matter. You don’t have to actually implement every idea, but, at the very least, you need to show that you sincerely addressed and considered them.
Encourage Honesty
Ultimately, the best way to foster effective communicative patterns is to encourage honest and open expression. Employees need safe and supportive environments where they feel comfortable sharing their ideas and giving feedback on business operations.
From a business owner’s perspective, that means being sensitive and invested in your employees’ goals. Companies spend a lot of time talking to employees about firm-level goals, but how often do they take the time to listen to employee goals? Consider putting together a mentorship program to help individual employees meet their goals.
COO Consulting for Small Businesses
Outsourced COO consulting is a cost-effective way to improve fractional executive leadership and interim COO/part-time COO services. Send me a message online or give Susan Giddings Consulting LLC a call today at (561) 913-7163 to schedule a strategy session for fractional COO consulting!
