I once had a conversation with a seasoned manager who proudly explained different ways his company uses to prevent problems. One of them strikes my attention and curiosity. He claimed that they overcommunicate to make sure things go as planned.
What overcommunication means?
When I asked what he means by overcommunication, his explanation left me worried. For instance, his definition was indeed what it is not. Dumping all kinds of information through countless emails, oversharing, or repeating instructions while checking performance is not the right way to do it.
First, over-communication is not a way to share all kinds of things. It is used only to clarify and reinforcing critical information. For example, to convey instructions or concerns during crisis times, top priorities, and the company vision. Second, it is about communicating the right things effectively. In other words, in a clear, consistent way, promoting collaboration between teams. By sharing the right things frequently, you ensure alignment between the company vision and the daily operations.
Overcommunicate prevent problems, right?
When you over-communicate in the right way, it is possible to prevent problems. However, when what you are doing is oversharing or micromanaging, the results are different. The team can feel distracted by too much information, overwhelmed, or frustrated. And they have all the right to feel that way because that behavior is disrespectful. The team will respond much better if you convey the information effectively. If you want them to remember the company’s core values and vision, become a model of those behaviors. Also, incorporate the enterprise vision in what you do and become a coach.
Communicate right, do not overcommunicate
Excessive communication is not the right way to prevent problems. Effective communication is the right way to ensure everybody receives and understands the same message. When you disseminate critical information frequently enough, people will know that it is meaningful. Over time, they will start to use it, and the result is alignment between values and daily actions such as problem-solving, project selection, and others.