5 Ways Lakeside, CA Small Businesses Can Improve Collaboration and Communication

It's no question that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they often face unique challenges when it comes to collaboration and communication. In a small business, there are usually fewer employees and less opportunity for cross-team collaboration. Additionally, small businesses may not have the budget to invest in expensive collaborative tools. However, there are still many things that small businesses can do to foster a culture of open communication and idea sharing. Below, the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce shares 5 ways small businesses can improve collaboration and communication.

1. Foster a Culture of Open Communication

Open communication is essential for any business, but it is especially important in a small business. In a small business, there is often less room for error, so it is crucial that everyone is on the same page. One way to foster a culture of open communication is to have regular team meetings where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas openly. Additionally, you should create an environment where employees feel comfortable approaching their managers with questions or concerns.

2. Create Opportunities for Cross-Team Collaboration

In a small business, it is often necessary for employees to cover many duties. However, this can lead to silos forming between departments. To avoid this, Savion recommends that small businesses create opportunities for cross-team collaboration. For example, you could hold monthly meetings where employees from different teams share their progress on projects or brainstorm solutions to common problems. Alternatively, you could create interdepartmental task forces that work together on specific projects.

3. Use Collaborative Online Tools

There are many online tools that can help small businesses improve collaboration and communication. Tools like Google Docs, Slack, and Zoom allow employees to work together on projects in real-time, no matter where they are located. These tools also make it easy to share files and stay organized. Best of all, many of these tools are free or offer free trials.

You can also use this free converter to convert your files to PDFs. Being able to change files into PDFs is especially helpful when working with marketing teams or designers, or when adding infographics to a report or presentation. Simply add your file ot the online conversion tool and it will automatically make the formatting change.

4. Avoid Micromanaging

No one likes being micromanaged, yet it’s a common problem in small businesses. Omnia explains that when managers try to control every aspect of their employees' jobs, it stifles creativity and innovation. Additionally, micromanaging creates an atmosphere of distrust between managers and employees. If you want your employees to collaborate and communicate effectively, you need to give them the freedom to do their jobs without interference. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should be completely hands-off; provide guidance when needed but resist the urge to micromanage.

5. Encourage Feedback

One of the best ways to improve collaboration and communication in a small business is to encourage feedback. Feedback allows employees to share their ideas and concerns openly, without fear of retribution. It also helps managers identify areas where communication needs to be improved. Feedback can be gathered through regular one-on-one meetings, employee surveys, or even casual conversations in the break room.

Celebrate Teamwork

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate successes as a team! Recognizing accomplishments will help build morale and encourage employees to continue working hard. Start by fostering a culture of open communication by creating opportunities for cross-team collaboration and using collaborative online tools. Work to avoid micromanaging, and encourage feedback to  create a collaborative workplace culture with your employees.

Join the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce to connect with local entrepreneurs and resources that can help your business grow.