City and County Leaders Speak on Clarity in Team Communication

Enhancing Communication in Local Government: Insights from Our Expert Webinar

Effective communication is crucial for the success of any organization, and local government is no exception. In a recent webinar, LeaderGov gathered over 150 leaders to discuss the challenges and best practices in team communication within local government settings. The insights shared provide a comprehensive look at where communication often breaks down, the typical communication cadence in departments, how information flows up and down the management line, and the impact of body language and tone on productive conversations.

Where Team Communication Usually Breaks Down

Leaders shared the following about communication breakdowns:

• Listening and Engagement: A significant number of participants highlighted issues with not actively listening or engaging in conversations. This lack of engagement can lead to misunderstandings and a breakdown in communication. Notably, over 50% of respondents mentioned that listening or lack thereof is a common problem.
• Clarity and Consistency: Inconsistent messaging and the use of corporate jargon were pointed out by 25% of participants. These issues often lead to confusion and mixed messages within teams.
• Information Flow and Mediums: An over-reliance on email and other written communication methods was noted as a barrier, particularly when messages lack context or are not effectively cascaded down the organization.

Your Department or Team Communication Cadence

Leaders indicated the following ways to have regular communication.

• Weekly Meetings: Most respondents (40%) reported holding weekly meetings, whether departmental, leadership, or one-on-one check-ins. This regular cadence helps keep everyone aligned and informed.
• Bi-weekly and Monthly Meetings: While weekly meetings are the most common, 17% and 24% of participants mentioned bi-weekly and monthly meetings, respectively. These meetings often serve more strategic or high-level purposes.

Moving Information Up and Down the Management Line with Clarity

Leaders expressed the following methods:

• Email Communication: A predominant method for ensuring clear and consistent information flow is email, with 50+% of respondents emphasizing its importance.
• Face-to-Face and Verbal Updates: Meetings and verbal communications are also critical, especially for discussing complex or sensitive issues that benefit from direct interaction.

How Body Language and Tone Get in the Way of Productive Conversations

Leaders cited the following negative body language cues:

• Body Language: Crossed arms, lack of eye contact, and defensive postures were frequently mentioned as detrimental to effective communication. These non-verbal cues can convey disinterest or hostility, even if unintentional.
• Inattention and Distractions: The use of phones or laptops during meetings, which can signal disengagement, was another significant concern.

Conclusion

The insights from our webinar underscore the importance of active listening, consistent messaging, and mindful communication practices in local government. Addressing these common issues can lead to more effective and efficient team interactions, ultimately contributing to better service delivery and community outcomes.

By fostering an environment where clear, open communication is valued and practiced, local governments can better meet the needs of their constituents and ensure smoother internal operations.

If you would like to discuss our communication workshops or leadership program, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 678-833-4310.