How do you enforce communication norms on your team?

1 Assess the current situation

Before you can enforce communication norms, you need to understand the current state of your team's communication. How often, how much, and how well do they communicate? What are the main channels, tools, and formats they use? What are the common challenges, frustrations, and gaps they face? You can gather this information by observing, asking, and surveying your team members. Look for patterns, trends, and feedback that reveal the strengths and weaknesses of your team's communication.

2 Define the desired outcomes

Next, you need to define the desired outcomes of your team's communication. What are the goals, objectives, and priorities that your team needs to achieve? How does communication support those outcomes? What are the key indicators and measures of effective communication? You can use frameworks such as SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) or OKR (objectives and key results) to set clear and realistic expectations for your team's communication.

3 Establish the communication norms

Establishing communication norms based on the current situation and desired outcomes can help your team's behavior. These norms can include the frequency, timing, mode, tone, content, feedback, and etiquette of communication. For instance, you could set norms such as using email for formal and important messages, Slack for informal and urgent messages, and Zoom for meetings and presentations. Additionally, you should respond to messages within 24 hours unless otherwise specified. Emojis and gifs are great for expressing emotions and humor without sarcasm or insults. Share relevant information concisely to avoid spamming or oversharing. Furthermore, give and receive constructive feedback while acknowledging others' contributions. Lastly, respect others' preferences, boundaries, and availability while avoiding interruptions and distractions.

4 Communicate and model the communication norms

Once you have established the communication norms, you need to communicate them to your team and model them yourself. Explain the rationale and benefits of the communication norms, and how they align with your team's vision and values. Provide examples and scenarios of how to apply the communication norms in different situations. Demonstrate the communication norms in your own interactions with your team and other stakeholders. Lead by example and show your team that you value and respect the communication norms.

5 Monitor and reinforce the communication norms

Finally, you need to monitor and reinforce the communication norms on your team. Track and measure the progress and impact of the communication norms on your team's performance, engagement, and culture. Solicit and provide feedback on the communication norms, and celebrate and recognize the successes and improvements. Address and resolve any issues or conflicts that arise from the communication norms, and adjust and update them as needed. Create a culture of accountability and support for the communication norms on your team.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?