Breaking Down Communication Barriers: My Learnings on Fostering Innovation
Published on Nov 06, 2024As a director leading multiple teams, I've learned that the key to innovation and driving value for our clients isn't just about having great ideas—it's about creating an environment where every voice is valued.
The Struggle of Junior Team Members
One of the most persistent challenges in team dynamics is the reluctance of junior colleagues to speak up when facing obstacles. Despite our best intentions to create an open environment, many newcomers still hesitate to discuss their challenges until they become critical issues. Second most common problem is to say "Yes" to everything even though they know that what is being asked of them is not doable. I believe that this attitude stems from deeply ingrained educational and social conditioning, where following authority without question is the ideal situation. Right from our preschool days we are taught never to question authority, never to question whatever is being taught to us in the classroom. I have heard too many teachers say, "This is what it is because it says so in the book."
Revolutionizing Meeting Dynamics: The Jeff Bezos Way
To combat this, we've successfully implemented a meeting strategy inspired by Jeff Bezos's approach at Amazon. Here's how it works:
- Meeting materials are reviewed together in a matter-of-fact way without any comments or criticisms.
- Meeting starts with junior team members speaking or presenting first followed by seniors. Again, no criticisms or interruptions.
This second point is revolutionary in its simplicity. By inverting the traditional hierarchy of communication, where senior leaders typically set the tone, we create space for fresh perspectives and unfiltered ideas. It's remarkable how this simple switch prevents the common scenario where junior staff hesitate to contradict opinions already expressed by their superiors.
Maintaining Genuinely Open Communication
Beyond structured meetings, I've implemented several approaches to make myself more accessible:
- Maintaining a genuine "open-door" policy, I sit in a cabin, but the door is literally always open and people can and do just walk in to talk to me.
- Scheduling regular one-on-one check-ins with team members
- Creating private spaces for candid discussions
While I experimented with sitting among the team, I discovered that this sometimes inadvertently created pressure on more introverted team members. After all, no matter what, I am always the boss who hires and fires them, and not their friend or colleague. Instead, I've found that consistent check-ins, especially with newer team members, prove more effective. These conversations focus on two simple questions: "How was your day?" and "Tell me about the problems you are facing"
Building a Culture of Trust
As team members internalize the "ask and you shall receive" mentality, they become more proactive in seeking guidance and sharing ideas. This shift doesn't happen overnight, but with consistent reinforcement, it becomes part of the team's DNA.
Remember: Innovation doesn't just come from breakthrough ideas—it comes from creating an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute their unique perspective.
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