Originally when I created this workshop, I called it “How to say what you mean and get what you want without being an asshole.” The idea to create a communication workshop initially came from a round table conversation I had with a group of CEOs. We were discussing quiet quitting and the great resignation as it was being called. When the conversation turned from anecdotal experience and someone started googling stats on employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity, we all realized that what led to this exodus had existed long before these terms got coined.
- 86% of employees and executives cite lack of collaboration or ineffective communication for workplace failures (a).
- 89% of employees let their conflicts with coworkers escalate. While 12% quit their job, another 10% of workers avoid going to meetings and 9% don’t come to work for multiple days. (b)
- David Grossman reported in “The Cost of Poor Communications” that a survey of 400 companies with 100,000 employees each cited an average loss per company of $62.4 million per year because of inadequate communication to and between employees. (c)
We are in multiple types of relationships at any given moment. The skills that a great communicator uses with their spouse or friends are laterally applicable at work. Being able to listen. Being responsible for our parts in miscommunications. Having clear agreements and having some skill in handling difficult conversations when breakdowns occur. These are all essential aspects whether you are trying to sort out your canceled flight or have your team get the deliverables done on time.
While I changed the title, just a bit too on the nose for corporate, the initial intention of the workshop remains. Authentic Communication for Powerful Teams and Authentic Communication for Powerful Leaders was created to provide these skills and more. It addresses what is at the source of ineffective communication while keeping in mind that most teams are made up of diverse individuals. Unique people with a wider range of backgrounds, ages, and expertises. The workshop doesn’t shy away from the inevitably misunderstandings that occur between all people. Instead the workshop gives each participant some new confidence about being effective in communication, with stronger skills for how to approach hard conversations authentically, and a new way of thinking about integrity. All of these expanded ways of thinking and new tools help create a culture within the team of collaboration. Plus when these tools are used by leadership and their direct reports it creates an environment where honesty and compassion can coexist.
Can you imagine how your organization would grow if your leaders and staff had access to tools that helped them communicate openly and honestly, be respectful, and be effective in resolving miscommunication?
What markets would your business expand into?
What new ideas would your team create?
How would the contributions of your company grow?
The solution to employee retention and productivity isn’t a simple one. It also doesn’t require a utopian future where everyone gets along all the time. Instead the question must be how do we create a thriving workforce but measure thriving in new ways. Gallup also found that in companies where they have engaged teams their profits were 23% higher than companies with miserable and emotionally detached employees. Additionally, teams with thriving workers see significantly lower absenteeism and turnover; they also see higher customer loyalty. The point is: Employee wellbeing is worth focusing on.
How would your customers or clients be better serviced if each member of your team was working collaboratively aligned with the mission, vision, and purpose of your organization?
So how do you focus on employee wellbeing while also managing effective operations and overall business success?
Successful leaders understand that to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace that they must tend to and nurture the skills of each member of their team. The culture in these successful businesses and organizations are authentic relationships and a team working in aligned vision. These values lead to integrity, transparency, creativity, and an overall sense of wellbeing. In bottom line terms, these leaders see increased employee retention, higher levels of productivity, a culture of collaboration, and an upward trend of business growth.
So how are these leaders balancing business operations while also continuing to cultivate a business culture that leads to success?
They empower their teams to develop relationships and have those difficult conversations with honesty and integrity.
For the workshop, Authentic Communication for Powerful Teams (and Leaders) I bring together my 20+ years in personal and professional development, facilitation, and group coaching along with years of training and practice in mindfulness.
(a) https://everyonesocial.com/blog/internal-communications-statistics/
(b) The Conflict Report by CPP Inc. (The designers of the Meyers Briggs Test) https://www.themyersbriggs.com/-/media/f39a8b7fb4fe4daface552d9f485c825.ashx
INSPIRING WORDS FROM PAST CONNECTIONS
It’s an amazing experience to work with a team of people who are passionate about the direction we’re heading and willing to put in the hard work to bring a new business to life. We wanted to build on everyone’s unique strengths and have a plan of action to keep the open communication flowing.
It was a no-brainer to bring Shoshanna to the table with all her expertise in business coaching and communication. We learned a lot about ourselves as individuals and how we can utilize both similarities and differences to define, research and solve the complex challenges that come with building something brand new. Shoshanna created a safe space and set the stage for an incredibly productive working session that has resulted in moving things forward in leaps and bounds. She helped us define roles, build even more team trust and open channels of communication we didn’t even realize we were missing.
Thank you, Shoshanna, for your passion, your time and your knowledge to help us take our team to the next level. We’re looking forward to future sessions as we build, launch and grow the business focused on serving artists and art collectors.
– Jennifer Steck, CEO, Artburst Studios
The Communication Workshop and coaching Shoshanna provided for the leadership team and whole organization was awesome. The team gained new tools from the experience. We were able to put to use what we learned about making agreements and honoring agreements into practice, which helped not only in conflict resolution but also in being effective as a team. Another thing we started using was committed complaints versus just complaining. People on our team learned how to share what is not working as a way to forward the mission of BGV. These changes and the tools are ones that we will continuously use. Yeah. I’d say the program has been pretty impactful for the trajectory of how BGV runs now. I would highly recommend her.
Damien Bell, Director of Operations, Black Girl Ventures
Haley Garcia, Garcia Group
During the workshop participants:
- Identify outdated ways of communicating that have led to misunderstandings and degrade collaborative relationships
- Learn new tools to use during challenging conversations that restore trust and partnership
- And most importantly, they will be clear how their talent, experience, and gifts are key to fulfilling the mission and purpose of the organization.
From 3 hour workshops to full day and ongoing training and support, I offer customized programs that will solve communication breakdowns at their source. Book a call with me to learn more about my custom training and workshops, and how they can help your team collaborate, innovate, and succeed.
