Leading, engaging and communicating during and beyond the lockdown

In challenging times, how can communication help you to improve employee performance?

I was recently asked this question when invited to contribute to a special report produced by Raconteur on The Future of HR, which was published in The Times and Sunday Times.

Through my work with executive and senior leaders, I believe successful employee engagement, and with it performance management, is about culture as much as strategy. Businesses and leaders must foster a culture of open communication, not just invest in the platforms needed.

As part of Connected Culture Change, a new leadership framework I recently co-created with Executive Leadership Coach and Behavioural Transformation Expert, Lucy Kidd, we define a “three Cs” culture built on the following values: curiosity, courage and care. It is down to leaders to create this culture to encourage deeper more meaningful engagement, both now and in the future.

What more can leaders do to improve communication?

As referenced in the interview with Raconteur, I believe good leaders listen to, understand and learn from others, rather than simply giving opinions. They are curious and ask expansive questions.

They invest in relationships and look out for their people. When staff feel respected, trusted and valued, they are willing to do more. Engaged teams are adept at harnessing collective intelligence, learning through failure, imagining the future and adapting to market challenges.

If you are interested in knowing more about Connected Culture Change or leading in times of change, please contact me.