Written by:-Geetanjali
5 steps on how to better communicate during uncertainty
Circumstances that lack predictability and clarity of future outcomes often lead to uncertain situations which are not easy to handle. From uncertainty in business, to unforeseen pandemic, to economic and geopolitical situations, to handling a tough situation at both personal and professional front, uncertain situations are inescapable.
Uncertain situations in a business can occur due to increased competition, uncertainty in return of business, falling economy(inflation or deflation), pandemics like COVID-19, societal changes like change in consumer behaviour, trends, preferences which are not easy to predict, as they change very often.
Uncertainty in business is an uphill battle, it is hard to predict future outcomes due to present circumstances, though it is required to be approached in an accountable way. As in a workspace an employee’s biggest trust factor is their employer’s, the trust and loyalty of an employee will break if these uncertainties are not pictured clearly to the employees.
Here communication plays an important role, it’s crucial to understand “How the information is delivered is equally important to, What the information is”.No new is definitely not good news, even the worst news is required to share with the employee’s. We’ve mentioned five steps which can be used to communicate better during uncertainty in Business.
1) Clear and concise idea of the situation
All the information reading uncertain situations should never be kept hidden from the employee’s, trust and loyalty goes hand in hand. While informing employees about the situation, try to keep information short and to the point while conveying to the employee’s, during crises people are not able to comprehend as much information as they do during normal times. Maintain transparency,no information regarding the situation should be concealed from the employee’s and door must stay open to questions while sharing information
2) Give reassurance
Acknowledge and validate employee’s emotions,they can get a mix of emotions not everyone will be calm and composed during the time of crisis.Give employees a safe space to express their emotions as any uncertainty in a business will affect employees equally as the business owner. Provide regular updates to keep everyone informed about the uncertainty as employees must be anxious due to the situation and lack of information.
3) Active listening
In uncertain situations effective listening is crucial which involves fully focusing,, understanding, and responding to the speaker.Active listening is beyond hearing words but is genuine interest in listening.Create a safe space for employees to ask questions.Employers give your full attention to your employee’s concern regarding the situation, pay attention to nonverbal cues like hand movement, body language, as employees might not always be able to communicate comfortably due to present hierarchy.In this process of exchanging thoughts don’t forget to empathise with their emotion.
4) Flexibility
Employer’s should be adaptable with their communication approach, every situation cannot be handled the same way. So,it’s required to modify your approach with the changing situations.Provide regular updates while modifying your information sharing approach with changing situations.
5) Cooperation for problem solving
Both the employees and the employer should work together to find solutions when faced with uncertain situations.It involves discussing issues as a team,sharing ideas, and collaborating to come up with potential solutions to the problems. This approach encourages everyone to contribute and help find the best solution collectively.
Conclusion
To sum up, effective communication can help sail businesses smoothly during uncertain times by being honest,emphatic, actively listening and adapting your message as the situation changes. Regularly updating, collaborating, making sure your communication is accessible to everyone and a positive outlook of the situation will help build trust.By following these simple steps you can navigate through uncertainty in business together more smoothly.
