Avoid the snowball effect

Don’t underestimate the power of open and honest communication. Bad communication creates a snowball effect that can bring down the energy and morale of the entire organization.

When leaders are secretive, employees become skeptical and untrusting. As employees lose trust, they become disengaged and stop contributing. As managers see the drop in performance, they begin to doubt that employees have the best interest of the team and organization in mind.

Takeaway: Be as open and honest as you can, even if it means sharing bad news. Talk about struggles your team or organization faces, and ask your employees to share their solutions for turning things around.

You’ll gain their support and hear some great ideas for making improvements.

— Adapted from “Open Communication: Vital to Business Success,” David Hassell, American Management Association, www.amanet.org.