(upbeat music) Let's go over communication, the onboarding process, the importance of feedback, and how to address negativity. What does communication involve? The word communication is often thought to mean what is said when exchanging information with others. However, true communication involves a lot more than simply delivering a spoken message. Even before the digital age, communication included verbal and nonverbal messages ranging from spoken and written words to physical forms of expression, such as posture, facial expressions, touch, and even the physical space between people communicating. The things that we choose not to say have a significant impact on what is conveyed, as well. The digital age has also produced additional communication methods, including email, text messaging, video conferencing, online chat rooms, videos, and FaceTime to allow us to further interact with one another. But regardless of which communication method is used, people seek to be understood. Employee diversity fosters interaction to problem-solve, innovate, and address any issues that may arise when cultural barriers are overcome. There are so many ways to communicate with employees, that you must determine the best communication modes for your team. Employee response to feedback can vary depending on the delivery and tone. Negative feedback, such as sending an angry email in the heat of the moment to an employee that you are upset with, is not a good use of technology or time. And it certainly does not build trust or promote a healthy workplace culture. There is a time and place for each communication method, and they must be used appropriately to accomplish the desired result. For example, would you call an employee to read them a 20 page contract, or would you email that document or share it using a link or digital folder, and then call the employee to ask questions or review it later? Would you send a text message to all 50 of your employees, telling them to save the date for a meeting in a few days? Or would you send an email invitation with the details, a read receipt and an automatic calendar placeholder when accepted? The key is to pick the right communication tool to deliver the information in a way that promotes clarity and consistency, builds trust, and fosters a healthy workplace culture. Communication scenarios. Have you ever tried to relay an important message to a coworker who did not take their attention away from their computer screen or cell phone while you were speaking? Or have you been on the phone with someone who was speaking to someone else on the other end when you were speaking to them? How did each of these situations make you feel? Did the information you were relaying or requesting get delivered as you intended? Can you see how both of these situations could potentially lead to miscommunication or even conflict? In both situations, you probably wanted to say something like this. "Sophie, can you please give me your attention "for just a few minutes, so that we're on the same page?" But here's the reality. In order to gonna make a simple, honest request, such as this one, you must have a good working relationship with Sophie. She must understand that you're serious about the task or message at hand, and that you need to communicate effectively in order to do your job and minimize confusion. It is true that company culture plays a role in the communication process. But who actually makes up the company culture each day as decisions are made, conversations occur, work is assigned, new employees are hired, current employees quit or are terminated, and conflict arises? You do. Each employee plays a vital role in the communication process, company culture, and conflict resolution. Each employee must have the ability to be an active part of the solution.