Underperforming Team? Fix This One Thing First

When a team isn't performing well, everyone starts looking for complex solutions. Maybe it's the processes, the tools, or the market conditions. But more often than not, the root cause is surprisingly simple: poor communication.

The Leadership Blind Spot

Here's an uncomfortable truth: leaders often think they've got communication sorted. They've done the training, they have regular meetings, and they're constantly talking to their team. Job done, right? Not quite.

The reality is that communication isn't a box you tick once and forget about. It's a living, breathing aspect of your organisation that needs constant attention and refinement. Many leaders get too comfortable or too busy, assuming their communication skills are fine while their teams slowly drift into dysfunction.

The Ripple Effect of Poor Communication

When communication breaks down, it creates a domino effect throughout the organisation. Teams start working in silos, with different groups ploughing ahead in their own direction without considering the bigger picture. Before you know it, you've got multiple teams working towards different objectives, thinking they're all doing the right thing.

Think about the last time you were in a project that went sideways. I bet if you dig deep enough, you'll find that somewhere along the line, crucial information got lost, delayed, or misinterpreted. This isn't just frustrating - it's expensive. Teams end up duplicating work, resources get wasted, and deadlines slip through the cracks.

The Remote Working Challenge

This problem has become even more pronounced with the rise of remote and hybrid working. When you can't pop over to someone's desk for a quick chat, communication needs to be more intentional and structured. Yet many organisations are still using the same communication approaches they used when everyone was in the office.

Cultural differences and varying communication styles add another layer of complexity. What's perfectly clear to one team member might be completely opaque to another, especially when we're relying heavily on digital communication.

Breaking Down the Barriers

The good news? These issues are entirely fixable. The first step is creating an environment where team members feel comfortable speaking up about challenges. When people don't feel safe raising concerns, small issues fester and grow into major problems.

Regular feedback sessions and one-to-one meetings aren't just nice to have - they're essential. They provide early warning systems for potential issues and help maintain that crucial connection between team leaders and members.

Professional development in communication isn't a sign of weakness - it's a smart leadership choice that pays dividends in improved retention, engagement, and results. When senior leadership teams invest time in improving their communication skills, they're often surprised by how much they'd forgotten and how small changes can have massive impacts.

The most successful teams have clear communication protocols. They know exactly how and where important updates should be shared, who's responsible for what, and how to handle conflicts when they arise. This clarity eliminates the confusion and frustration that often plague underperforming teams.

Great communication can transform the entire dynamic of a business, but it has to start from the top. Leaders need to model the communication behaviours they want to see in their teams. It's not about being perfect - it's about being intentional, consistent, and always open to improvement.

Remember, your team's success isn't just about what you communicate - it's about how you communicate it. When you get this right, everything else starts falling into place.

Want to learn more about improving communication? Litmus helps people and teams feel in their element and communicate in a way that’s anything but neutral. 

Take a look at our Services or get in touch to find out more.