How to Stay in the Communication Loop as a Manager

As a manager, you are expected to be the bridge between your team and upper management. This means that a large part of your job is communicating. Whether you are conveying directives from on high or relaying information about company changes, it is important that you are able to communicate effectively. However, this can be easier said than done. With so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to stay in the communication loop without feeling like you are constantly playing catch-up.

You are not alone. According to a recent study from Grammarly, knowledge workers spend approximately half of a typical workweek (20 hours) on written communication. Furthermore, 72% of business leaders say their teams have struggled with effective communication in the past year. Communication breakdowns are estimated to cost businesses 1.2 trillion dollars per year. This problem has become more severe in the last three years as our work and workplaces have become more digitized, and teams have become more dispersed and globalized.

Here are some tips we found useful to help you stay on top of things.

Set up a system for tracking communications. One of the best ways to ensure that you are staying on top of things is to set up a system for tracking communications. This could be as simple as creating a folder in your email inbox for important messages or using a note-taking app to jot down key points from meetings. Having a dedicated place to store communications will help you keep track of what needs to be addressed and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Make time for check-ins. As a manager, you should already have regular check-ins with your team members. However, these check-ins can also be an opportunity for you to get updates on what is going on in the department and identify any potential issues that need to be addressed. By making time for these regular check-ins, you can stay in the communication loop without having to dedicate hours each day to reading through emails or attending meetings.

Use technology to your advantage. There are now myriad tools available that can help managers stay on top of things. From project management software that allows you to track deadlines and assigned tasks to messaging apps that make it easy to connect with team members, there is no shortage of options when it comes to communication tools. Utilize these tools to streamline your workflow and make it easier to stay abreast of what is going on in your department.

As a manager, it is important that you stay in the communication loop so that you can effectively convey information between your team and upper management. However, with so many demands on your time, this can be easier said than done. By setting up a system for tracking communications, making time for regular check-ins, and utilizing technology to your advantage, you can ensure that you are always up-to-date on what is going on in your department without feeling like you are constantly playing catch-up.

As you work to improve your communication skills as a manager, consider using TaskoAI. Our AI-powered platform helps streamline communication and collaboration, allowing you to focus on what matters most. With TaskoAI, you can automate repetitive communication tasks, track progress on projects, and easily communicate with your team.