Clean Language: #1 Way to Fix Poor Team Communication

"Interpersonal communication is always complex. But in the kinds of environments we working in nowadays there seems to be a greater degree of complexity, a greater potential for misunderstanding, a greater potential for conflict. And that's where Clean Language comes in." - Judy Rees

Today on Lean Agile Management Podcast, we're talking to Judy Rees about effective communication in complex environments to learn how to improve team communication at work using a method called Clean Language. Clean Language was initially devised by David Grove to help therapy clients explore their inner thoughts. In essence, it’s a very specific precision inquiry technique that’s built on the idea of probe request and response. The ultimate goal is to find out what it is that somebody really means by what they're saying even when they don't know themselves.

From the famous feedback sandwich to a Nonviolent Communication method, managers everywhere are eager to find an effective way to overcome the communication hurdles of a modern workplace.

Different cultural backgrounds, distributed and remote teams make it even harder for contributors and managers to communicate effectively. Wouldn’t it be great, if we could just glimpse into someone else's mind and just see why they do things the way they do? See what kind of meanings hide behind the words people say.

The answer you’re looking for might be the Clean Language method.

The key points covered in the episode:

- The biggest challenge for modern management

- How to communicate effectively in highly unstable and complex environments

- Boosting team morale, company profits, and manager’s well-being with good communication

- What is Clean Language and how can it help you deal with business challenges?

- Giving feedback and understanding problematic employees

- Importance of effective communication (listening) skills in conflict resolution

- How to learn what's necessary for people to work at their best.