Last updated on Mar 19, 2024

What do you do if your team members are resistant to communication from their leader?

In public administration, effective communication is a cornerstone of successful team management. However, leaders often face the challenge of resistance to communication from team members. This resistance can stem from various factors, including lack of trust, previous negative experiences, or a disconnect between leadership and staff. Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for a leader to foster a collaborative and productive work environment. If you're in a leadership position and notice a reluctance from your team to engage in open communication, it's essential to take proactive steps to alleviate the situation and promote a culture of transparency and dialogue.

1 Assess Causes

Before taking any action, it's vital to understand why your team is resistant to communication. Engage in active listening and provide a safe space for team members to express their concerns. Sometimes, the issue may be a simple misunderstanding that can be resolved through clarification. Other times, it could be deep-seated issues related to past experiences or the current work environment. By identifying the root causes, you can tailor your approach to address the specific challenges your team faces.

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Pallavi Mahajan

Oxford MBA | United Nations | Sustainability Consultant | Published Author | Chevening Scholar | Forté Fellow
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If your team members are resistant to communication from their leader, it can hinder collaboration, productivity, and overall team effectiveness. Top 3 ways to address this issue: 1. Before taking any action, try to understand why your team members are resistant to communication from their leader. 2. Trust is essential for effective communication. Take steps to build trust with your team members by being honest, transparent, and reliable. 3. Be clear and concise in your communication with your team members. Clearly communicate expectations, goals, and priorities, and provide regular updates on progress and changes. Consistent communication helps build trust and reduces uncertainty.

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Josbertini Clementino

Especialista em Relações Governamentais | Relações Institucionais | Políticas Públicas | Assuntos Governamentais | Conselheiro de Administração IBGC | Gestão Executiva e de Projetos | Membro Open Mind
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Às vezes, a resistência pode ser resultado de uma comunicação deficiente ou mal interpretada. Esclarecimentos e informações mais detalhadas podem resolver o problema. Experiências negativas com comunicação no passado, como falta de transparência ou feedback não construtivo, podem levar à desconfiança e resistência. Reconhecer essas experiências e demonstrar um compromisso com uma comunicação aberta e honesta pode ajudar a superar essa resistência.

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2 Build Trust

Trust is the foundation of effective communication. To overcome resistance, start by demonstrating your reliability and openness as a leader. Show empathy towards your team's concerns and be transparent about your decisions and actions. Consistency in your behavior and communication can slowly rebuild trust. Remember that trust is not built overnight, but through a series of actions that show your team they can depend on you.

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Josbertini Clementino

Especialista em Relações Governamentais | Relações Institucionais | Políticas Públicas | Assuntos Governamentais | Conselheiro de Administração IBGC | Gestão Executiva e de Projetos | Membro Open Mind
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Preste atenção total ao que os membros da equipe estão dizendo, sem interrupções ou julgamentos. Demonstre que você está realmente interessado em suas perspectivas. Reconheça os sentimentos dos membros da equipe, mesmo que você não concorde com suas opiniões. Isso os ajudará a se sentirem ouvidos e compreendidos. Incentive a equipe a compartilhar suas ideias e perspectivas.

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3 Adjust Style

Communication is not one-size-fits-all. If your team resists communication, consider whether your style may be contributing to the issue. Some team members may prefer direct, concise communication, while others might need more context and discussion. Be flexible and adapt your communication style to meet the needs and preferences of your team. This may involve personalizing your approach for different individuals or situations to ensure that everyone feels heard and understood.

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Josbertini Clementino

Especialista em Relações Governamentais | Relações Institucionais | Políticas Públicas | Assuntos Governamentais | Conselheiro de Administração IBGC | Gestão Executiva e de Projetos | Membro Open Mind
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Ao se comunicar com diferentes membros da equipe, considere seus estilos preferenciais. Adapte sua abordagem para garantir que todos se sintam ouvidos e compreendidos. Para membros da equipe que preferem comunicação direta: seja breve e direto ao ponto. Evite rodeios e linguagem complexa. Seja claro e conciso em suas instruções.

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4 Encourage Feedback

Creating a feedback-rich environment can help break down barriers to communication. Encourage your team to share their thoughts and ideas, and make it clear that their input is valued. Implement regular feedback sessions where everyone can speak freely without fear of negative repercussions. By actively seeking and acting upon feedback, you demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration.

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Alexis Leclerc--Dalmet

Corporate communications & crisis management consultant
(edited)
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Whether the situation deteriorates or not, offering anonymous feedback spaces is a good way of ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to express themselves without fear of reprisals. This can take a variety of forms: idea box, annual survey, staff representative circuit, etc. For this to work, anonymous feedback and the decisions taken based on it must be transparently communicated to all employees. By doing so, you will demonstrate your commitment to dialogue within the team and capitalize on collective intelligence to help your organization evolve.

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5 Facilitate Engagement

Sometimes, resistance to communication stems from a lack of engagement with the team's goals or processes. To counter this, involve your team in decision-making and problem-solving activities. This inclusion can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, which often leads to increased willingness to communicate. Additionally, use team-building activities to strengthen relationships and improve interpersonal communication among team members.

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6 Provide Training

Lastly, consider providing communication training for your team. This can help equip them with the skills necessary to express themselves effectively and engage in constructive dialogue. Training can also address specific communication challenges, such as conflict resolution or assertiveness. By investing in your team's communication skills, you not only improve the current situation but also contribute to their personal and professional development.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your team members are resistant to communication from their leader?

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1 Assess Causes

2 Build Trust

3 Adjust Style

4 Encourage Feedback

5 Facilitate Engagement

6 Provide Training

7 Here’s what else to consider

Public Administration

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