If you are a regular reader of this column, you have noticed that we constantly stress the critical importance of effective communication within organizations. The reason for our obsession is simple. Poor communication is a leading cause of organizational dysfunction and failure.

While interviewing several managers during a recent client engagement, we met one manager who is well-known for his strong technical expertise. When asked about his biggest challenge as a manager, he told us, &8220;Communication is a big problem. If I could just get my staff to properly interpret my e-mail instructions, we could achieve better results faster. I spend too much time explaining my e-mails.&8221;

Duh! This manager had absolutely no clue that he was the primary cause of the communication problems he was complaining about. Until he takes ownership of the problem and improves his approach and attitude about communicating with his staff, the frustration will continue. Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have encountered this sort of problem and it will not be the last.

Customer service snafus, quality issues, higher operating costs, and frustrated employees are but a few of the problems that failure to effectively communicate can cause. Perhaps the most significant problems that poor communication creates are low morale and disengaged employees. Ultimately, trust between the manager and his employees is eroded and overall performance will suffer.

So how does a manager ensure that she is communicating effectively? Start by varying your communication tactics. E-mails and voice messages are fine for distributing information. However, they cannot be the only communication methods employed. Connecting with staff one-on-one and in small group settings is absolutely essential to creating an environment where employees feel &8220;in the know&8221; and are happily engaged in the business. Managers must also constantly seek feedback from their staff on how they are doing as a communicator.

My challenge to you is this: Work hard at being an effective communicator because the outcomes you will achieve are well worth the effort. Just remember this: No manager has ever been fired because he communicated too much with his staff