As any leader I think communication is one of the hardest and yet most valuable part of the job. Communication is something that is crucial to everyday life. Personal relationships, business relationships, business growth, and personal growth are all effected by communication.
Over the years I have experienced so many miscommunications, and overly communicating. Both have pros and cons however I am still a big believer in over communicating in a positive way.
Miscommunication starts with the leader. If a leader is scared to address the way they feel, even if there’s a “small” problem and it doesn’t seem important; if not talked about it becomes a larger problem over a period of time. I’ve watched managers start with making excuses for the “A players”. Saying “oh it’s their first time late”, or “they’re really good on shift so it’s not a big deal they show up consistently late” or “I can’t afford to lose this person because I need them”. This is the beginning of a larger problem. I believe it’s a mindset. If a manager communicates the importance of being on time AND working hard they wouldn’t have to settle.
A leader wants everyone to succeed so if they communicate and give constructive feedback they will grow a strong team. Everyone wants to know where they stand on your team.
Some tools I have used over the years to get comfortable communicating the hard topics are evaluations for employees. I started out doing evaluations twice a year open the door for communication. I always started with the easy ones because I had a better relationship; when I got to the hard ones it wasn’t so bad because people listen and respect you more when you give honest feedback. A lot of the time people didn’t realize they had “a bad attitude in the mornings” or they didn’t realize how much they affect others.
Overly communicating can come off at times as Micro-managing. So, word choice and the way you address people is important. I have never addressed someone in passing. I have always believed in sitting someone down; one on one, uninterrupted! I also don’t think you should sit someone down every day or every week. You need to give opportunity and TIME to apply what you talked about.
If you continue to poke at the problem it becomes discouraging, so in any sit down when I talk about a problem there is ALWAYS a solution before the conversation is over. A leader needs to give a clear pathway of how to succeed and Why it’s important.
The hardest communication I think is coming from a subordinate to a leader. Leaders are not always open to listen! It’s hard to hear when you mess up or aren’t doing as well as you as you thought you were. Super important as a leader it’s how you REACT to when an employee or someone tells you what you can improve on.
I never talk to someone or address a problem when I am angry because then it brings too much emotion and a biased opinion. When I am angry I stop listening, so it’s important to have a cool off period or time to self-evaluate!
Communication isn’t always bad either. People want to hear when they do a good job! I believe managers (myself included) forget/ get “too busy” to remind people when they’re doing a good job.
Like I said earlier People want to know where they stand and what opportunity they can get.
I believe getting together outside of a work place is important. If you have a personal relationship with someone it allows communication to come easier. My managers know the kind of person I am, therefore they want to grow with me because they know the opportunities are endless. They know my goals and I know theirs. Its super important to communicate both goals so both people get where they want to be in Life. Never allow people to settle or be ok with staying stagnant. I always push my managers to do more and be better than they were yesterday.
It’s not always welcomed but I do always get a “thank you” down the road because they got where they wanted to be.
About Kyanna Isaacson.
Kyanna started working for Jersey Mikes in 2008 when she was just 16 years old. A few years later, during her Phase 2 Training in New Jersey, Coach Hughes presented Kyanna with a pair of "A Bright Future" sunglasses as it was clear to see that Kyanna was a force to be reckon with. Well that came true as in 2016 Kyanna was awarded the FIRST ever Manager of The Year Award in front of the entire company and where we were all blown away when Peter Cancro awarded her a store of her own. In December 2017 Kyanna's store opened and has been booming since! In addition to owning her own store she also oversees 5 additional locations for Steve Youlios. Her future continues to be bright and 2020 has been busy for Kyanna. She was recently married and she and Steve are developing a new area up in Santa Barbra, CA. They will be opening 3 locations in the next year or two, and they don’t plan on stopping after that.
However, what matters more to Kyanna and Steve then developing stores is their love of growing and developing other people and providing in endless growth opportunities.
Kyanna is a perfect example of a Sub Above. Someone who lives to help nourish and flourish others through - Giving...Making a Difference is Someones Life.