Communication makes the world go round. Without an efficient means of communication in place, businesses that employ field representatives run the risk of having high employee turnover, customer dissatisfaction, and project failure. Effective communications practices within an organization will empower employees to tackle any challenge that comes their way. The following tips are examples of how managers can improve their communications practices with remote field teams.

Provide Feedback

1. Strive For Message Simplicity and Consistency

It can be difficult for managers to connect with employees who do not report to a central office location every day. It is crucial that messages from management are easily digestible for field reps who are busy traveling to various work sites, meeting with clients, and collecting data. Managers should aim to deliver messages that use simple, actionable language, especially since field reps do not have the luxury of interpreting nonverbal that are apparent during a face-to-face conversation. Managers should also consider the importance of consistency when crafting messages that are being relayed to their field teams.  It is best to create messages that use the same language in every iteration. Consistency also means reinforcing company culture and objectives in your messages, which can help to foster a sense of camaraderie amongst remote field teams.

2. Provide Feedback

Another common communications issue faced by managers is the lack of feedback (positive or negative) that is received by field reps. Providing feedback keeps employees both engaged and accountable. Recognizing employees for the work they have done will boost morale and make it easier for them to see how their accomplishments make a difference in the long-term goals of the organization. It is also important to let employees know when there is room for improvement in their work. Some Field Activity Management software solutions allow reps to keep themselves in check by viewing the tasks they have accomplished and have yet to accomplish on a given day using their mobile devices. Similarly, managers can monitor field reps’ activities in real-time from the back office.  Employees will feel more connected to their work and organization if they are aware of and recognized for their performance.

3. Be Sincere

Employees can easily differentiate between when a manager is communicating with them genuinely and when he or she is being insincere. Similar to feedback, sincerity lets employees know that they are valued and therefore drives up engagement levels. Honest and open communication between managers and field reps is key to fostering trust throughout an organization. Managers should make an effort to verbally communicate with field reps individually to discuss the status of current projects as well as future goals. Sincerity from managers is critical for remote employees to feel connected to the larger organization they are a part of.

Strong communication practices are fundamental for remote field teams and their managers. If managers and reps are able to converse with each other well, productivity increases and customer service capabilities improve. Businesses should consider implementing technologies that streamline day-to-day communication. Doing so will keep employees engaged, which is an invaluable attribute for any healthy business to have.

By Victoria Vessella

No one ever became a great leader without first becoming a great communicator. Great leaders connect with people on an emotional level every time they speak. Their words inspire others to achieve more than they ever thought possible. Great communicators are intentional about it, and there are 10 secrets they rely on to deliver a powerful message. Put these secrets to work in your communication and watch your influence soar.

The  greatest leader of the 21st Century.

1. They Know Their Audience

Great communicators do not worry about sounding important, showing off their expertise, or boosting their own egos. Instead, they think about what people need to hear, and how they can deliver this message so that people will be able to hear it. This does not mean that leaders tell people what they want to hear. Quite the opposite—they tell people what is important for them to know, even if it is bad news.

2. They Are Experts in Body Language

Great communicators are constantly tracking people’s reactions to their message. They are quick to notice cues like facial expressions and body language because they know this is the only feedback many people will give them. Great communicators use this expertise to tailor their message on the fly and adjust their communication style as needed.

3. They Are Honest

The best leaders know that for communication to be effective it has to be real. They cannot have people parsing every word trying to separate fact from spin. When great communicators cannot share certain information, they come right out and say it because makeshift, half-truth answers breed distrust and anxiety. In good times and bad, honesty builds trust.

 4. They Are Authentic

Great communicators do not try to be someone they are not just, because they have stepped behind a podium. There is a reason Mark Zuckerberg presented Facebook to investors in a hoodie and jeans. Great leaders know that when they stay true to whom they are, people gravitate to their message. They also know the opposite happens when leaders put on an act.

5. They Speak With Authority

Great communicators do not try to cover their backs by being ambiguous, ineffective, or unassertive. Instead, they stick their necks out and speak very directly about how things are and how they need to be.

6. They Speak To Groups as Individuals

Leaders rarely have the luxury of speaking to one person at a time. Whether it is a huddle around a conference table or an overflowing auditorium, great leaders know how to work the room and make every single person feel as if he or she is being spoken to directly.

7. They Have Ears (And They Use Them)

Great leaders know that communication is a two-way street and what they hear is often more important than what they say. When someone else is speaking, great communicators are not thinking ahead and planning what they will say next. Instead, they are actively listening, fully focused on understanding the other person’s perspective.

8. They Use Phrases Like 'It’s My Fault,' 'I was wrong,' and 'I’m Sorry'

When great leaders make a mistake, they admit it right away. They do not wait for someone else to find and point out their blunder. They model accountability for their words and actions, even when they could have easily “gotten away” with the mistake. In addition, they do it matter-of-factly, without drama or false humility.

9. They Solicit Feedback

The best communicators never assume that the message people heard is the exact same one they intended to deliver. They check in to verify that their message was understood correctly, and, if it was not, they do not blame the audience. Instead, they change things up and try again.

10. They’re Proactive

Leaders with the best communication skills do not waste time playing catch-up. They are quick to head off the rumour mill by sharing bad news in a timely manner. They also give clear, concise goals and directions so people do not waste their time heading in the wrong direction.

Great communicators stand out from the crowd. They are honest. They are authentic. They listen. They excel in communication because they value it, and that is the critical first step to becoming a great leader.

A version of this article appeared on Entreprenuer.com