Bosses must communicate when employees insecure

Bosses must communicate when employees insecure

During these times of staff insecurity the capacity of small business owners to overcome their typical Kiwi reticence toward open and frank communication with staff could well be the difference between survival, growth and stagnation.

Business coach – and author of the small business book Business Mechanics, a nuts and bolts guide for small business owners – Jerome Jacobs, said ‘certainty’ is a fundamental human need and lack of it often results in employee disengagement, reduced productivity and losses of key staff.

Recent headlines about a Victoria University study which claims 'a third of Kiwi workers are either unemployed or in insecure work', further emphasises the need for employers to communicate.

He said other studies like the Michael Page New Zealand 2013 Employee Intentions Report indicates that staff are acutely aware of unsteady global economic conditions, which in turn is creates uncertainty about salaries, wages and job security in the Kiwi workplace.

“Many employers who come under pressure will adopt a ‘keep it from the children’ approach, but like children employees notice far more than their bosses realise. This is typical in New Zealand were there are so many small businesses and where the culture is to view staff as ‘family’.

“Not only this, our Kiwi reserve means some bosses don't even think to communicate with staff. However, by letting staff know what’s happening, sharing your vision and your challenges, helps build stronger teams.

“Bernard Shaw said it best when he said that the ‘single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place’.”

A typical example of how good communication builds certainty and team success is the All Blacks victories in the Rugby World Cup Championship and their recent win over the Springboks at fortress Ellis Park.

“Richie McCaw signalled his backing for coaches Sir Graham Henry and current All Black Coach Steve Hansen because of what he describes as their ability to communicate ‘in a constructive fashion as being fundamental to the All Blacks’ success’.

“On the other hand, Robbie Deans – as talented and astute as he is – did not get the same backing for the All Blacks coaching role because, according to McCaw, he ‘appeared not to want to be challenged by his assistants’, nor was he open to debate and discussion with members of his team.

“This is a very powerful and salient case study for New Zealand’s business owners. We’re a small country with a small economy, but when we harness the power of communication to build certainty and bring teams together, we can conquer the world,” said Mr Jacobs.

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