Miscommunication is one of the most common obstacles to workplace productivity. Whether it’s a misunderstood email, an unclear Teams message, or assumptions about how colleagues prefer to work, communication gaps can lead to frustration, wasted effort, and unnecessary delays. In her TED Talk, A Simple Solution to Fix Workplace Miscommunication, leadership expert Melissa M. Mikus highlights the significant impact that ineffective communication can have on organisations. She notes that many workplace failures can be linked to communication breakdowns and argues that even small THE SIMPLE COMMUNICATION TOOL THAT CAN PREVENT WORKPLACE FRUSTRATION WHAT OUR ENGAGEMENT SURVEYS ARE TELLING US Neels Reyneke | HR Manager misunderstandings can create substantial costs for businesses. One example she shares is a simple reply she sent to a colleague. When asked whether a presentation could be sent to a board chair, she responded with a single word: “Sure.” To her, the response meant that the presentation was excellent and ready to proceed. Her colleague, however, interpreted the message as lukewarm approval and spent significant time reworking the entire presentation unnecessarily. The lesson is simple: often the problem is not what was said, but how it was interpreted. INTRODUCING THE COMMUNICATION STYLE TAG Some examples: Mikus proposes a practical solution called a Communication Style Tag. This is a short description of how you prefer to communicate and what helps you perform at your best. It can be included in email signatures, Microsoft Teams profiles, staff directories, or simply shared within your team. Preferred communication channels (email, Teams, phone, face-to-face discussions, etc.) A Communication Style Tag typically covers: “Email preferred during working hours. Please provide detailed information in advance to support efficient decision-making.” 01 “For urgent matters, phone or Teams call preferred. I think best through discussion and collaboration.” 02 “Morning meetings preferred. Afternoons reserved for focused work. Agendas appreciated in advance.” 03 The idea of a Communication Style Tag resonates strongly with feedback received through our recent Employee Engagement Surveys. Examples of employee feedback include: Across multiple survey cycles, employees have consistently highlighted opportunities to strengthen communication, improve collaboration between departments, increase transparency, encourage open dialogue, and create stronger connections between teams and locations. Employees specifically mentioned improving communication, breaking down departmental silos, increasing transparency, strengthening interdepartmental collaboration, and ensuring that employees feel heard and respected. Response expectations Preferred meeting times Working preferences “Communication across all sections.” “Inter-department communication.” “Management should attend training on how to handle staff as well as improve communication.” “Strengthening internal communication to ensure employees are aligned, informed, and feel part of the bigger picture.” “Better cascading of communication.” “Better communication” Conditions that help you contribute effectively Feedback preferences 32 33
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