Digital communication for successful teamwork

Since the coronavirus pandemic at the latest, people have become aware of the importance of communication in teamwork via digital media. How can we ensure that everyone involved in a project is on the same page? How can short paths be created and how can a balance be struck between too much and too little information? Digital communication has become a challenge in many areas, particularly due to information overload. Here are a few thoughts on how a good communication strategy can make teamwork successful even across local borders.

Digital communication as a key competence in the age of change

The coronavirus pandemic has driven the development of new and modern communication tools. The challenge for digital communication is therefore not to establish technical connections between individual employees. The focus of communication is not to create opportunities for exchange, but to use them sensibly.

Digitalization makes it possible to access a lot of information at any time. Communication tools tempt us to communicate almost non-stop. Sending a quick message via Slack, WhatsApp, email, Skype, etc. - the task is to filter out the relevant information from all the information that is exchanged.

The lack of context in the exchange of information can lead to misunderstandings

The focus in digital communication for good teamwork is not just on the pure exchange of information. When information is exchanged in a face-to-face conversation, it is always in the context of facial expressions, gestures and the melody of speech. Without this context, misunderstandings can easily arise.

In addition, teams face further hurdles in digital communication:

• Exchange usually takes place in writing
• Processing a lot of information in shorter periods of time
• Communication often takes place between strangers

As a result of all these factors, various communication channels fail, making the other person's reactions more transparent. Have they understood the information? How do they react to a suggestion? This "gap" in digital communication needs to be compensated for.

Important communication rules in the digital age

Now that the challenges of digital communication have become clear, it is important to find important strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Communication rules can help to shape digital communication in such a way that teams can successfully interact with each other even without personal contact.

1. Choose a suitable medium
   Want to quickly criticize an employee for their work by email or inform an important customer via WhatsApp that the appointment has been postponed? Information must be communicated in an appropriate way in order to maintain appreciation and recognition.
2. Build authenticity and credibility
   Without eye contact, it is often easier to just make a promise. Making a promise by email but then not being able to keep it? A no-go in digital communication! Today, it is more important than ever to build credibility across local borders.
3. Maintaining contacts
   Communication via the screen tempts us to only talk about facts and deadlines. While colleagues in the office sometimes talk about personal topics in the coffee kitchen, this exchange is often neglected in digital interaction. This makes it all the more important to consciously take time to cultivate contacts beyond the mere exchange of work-related information.

Careless communication behavior can have a negative impact on teamwork. Human needs for empathy and personal interaction still exist and must be nurtured. If you take these communication tips to heart, digital communication can be successfully implemented in teamwork.

Our coaches will be happy to support you on the topic of "digital communication" in your company!