Top-down communication is literally a method of issuing communications, instructions, and information within a company using the hierarchical structure. The information of the highest ranking officials within the company is leaked to the employees who use the management structure of the companies. Each rung of the managerial ladder learns information from the previous rung until the information or command is passed on to all relevant levels within the organization.
In fact, top-down communication allows leadership to control the flow of information and ensures that each employment level has only the information needed to complete the relevant tasks. This keeps each job level focused and reduces the risk of employees focusing on irrelevant information or details. A primary drawback arises from the risk of orders being lost in translation or critical project details being omitted because a senior supervisor forgot to include it in a report. This can cause gaps in project development, particularly when there is no check and balance system in place to ensure that all departments receive the correct information.
An employee can also use a top-down communication strategy through an evaluation method to receive detailed information techniques to be successful. Feedback from management on employee performance and strategies to achieve goals. In addition, feedback is integral to allowing employees the opportunity to make adjustments to techniques and strategies in order to improve job performance and further the goals and objectives of the organization.
5 (FIVE) WAYS TO IMPROVE TOP-DOWN COMMUNICATION
Ensuring effective top-down communication is the key responsibility of senior management. However, many organizations will struggle with ineffective communication. When management does not communicate openly with employees on a consistent basis, the result is an unproductive work environment filled with speculative rumors and a loss of trust in management, or when the CEO or president communicates regularly with all employees, Whether it’s through email, video, or a town hall meeting, most employees appreciate communication. The challenge for senior managers is that they will never be fully effective in bringing communication to the forefront unless they are supported by managers and supervisors who place a high value on making sure employees stay informed.
The following 5 tips will help increase effectiveness when communicating with employees. These are tips that are simple, but can make a world of difference in an organization. When managers use these techniques, employees notice not only better communication with their boss, but also higher morale in their department.
1. Over-communicate: There will be an increase in the frequency of your communication, particularly during periods of rapid organizational change.
2. Keep your door open: Whenever possible, keep your office door open. Also, make sure your body language also tells employees that you have an open-door policy—crossing your arms, sighing at interruptions, and not looking at the speaker all say you may be approachable, but not approachable.
3. Check the schedule: Keep your employees up to date on their schedule. Knowing your employees will help them prioritize their work and enable them to make better relevant decisions to support you. Similarly, knowing your deadlines will help you understand your current pressures.
4. Offer assistance: On a regular basis, ask your employees, what do they need from me? Doing so gives employees a chance to update you on projects. It also asks you to provide the information necessary to keep those projects on schedule.
5. Check in often – If you’re out of the office, check in with your support team regularly. Doing so allows you to quickly respond to messages and fix potential issues that may have arisen while you were away.