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How’s Your Huddle?

By Barbara Thomsen posted 08-10-2020 14:39

  
George Bernard Shaw once said: "The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion it has taken place."

Do you sometimes feel that the words are coming out of your mouth but not “sticking” to anyone? Everyone hears and retains information differently, so “one size fits all” is not the standard to gauge how well your communication skills resonate with your staff. Currently, our face-to-face contact is being tested and I feel sometimes like a Zoomer Boomer using my keypad to “reach others.” Team meetings, educational sessions, and even family gatherings are so reliant on technology during this point in time that I can feel hampered in keeping my “reach” on conversations with friends, families, and colleagues! 

As odd as this may sound to some (except for those of you who know me well), my husband and I text daily from my upstairs office to his downstairs office. That way, we are not interfering in each other’s various work duties, Zoom meetings, conference calls, etc. I have been known to tell him if he does not respond when I text that I will come down and video “bomb” his Zoom meeting regardless of how my hair or outfit looks that day! 

This communication works, but I admit that I feel so much more connected when we touch base personally over breakfast or during other times at home. That valuable face-to-face time, body language, and just the smiles we see help to determine if the conversation is two-sided, interactive, and ends in teamwork. 

So, now the question is: how do you approach getting the word out at home and at work? How do you communicate the needs of the day? 

Team huddles are not a new concept and when the word “huddle” comes to my mind, I have fond memories of all sorts of huddles throughout my child and adulthood. Growing up in a small rural farming community, we huddled all the time in many social settings! Sunday church services we often heard “huddle around everyone” when joining in prayers or receiving the Pastor’s blessing. During sports practices, games and competitions, we joined together to get that “team spirit” pep talk to help us work together towards a common goal and for our joint efforts to celebrate a “win.”

My husband is a scientist, so when you ask him what time it is, he will share with you how the various time zones work, or he will explain Greenwich Mean Time. Needless to say, he struggles with “huddles” because he does not do well with brevity, but kudos to him – the lab has initiated production huddles prior to each shift, and it has been an overwhelming success. He has learned a lot about keeping it short and sweet! 

Teamwork is an essential part of creating an efficient workday. This is where the huddle concept plays a key role in team building! This small group setting provides a more intimate and welcoming venue for everyone’s voices to be heard. Here are some helpful huddle hints as you overcome the communication challenges. Make a good day GREAT!

• Huddles can be done multiple times per day, in various locations (home, work). You decide what is best for your team.
• Keep huddles “short and sweet.” Stay on task and do not dawdle (your children will agree on this one)!
• Have in mind the desired outcome before starting the huddle. What is the message?
Share the spotlight. Let others express their thoughts.
Be positive. Do not let the tone decline and start a session of complaints.

Huddles happen everywhere. They are not just a business concept; they are a life skill that is good to start at home and continue to improve upon as time goes by! COVID-19 has presented us with the chance to spend more time as a family unit and here is a golden opportunity to “huddle in” and connect with each other! 

Stay healthy and safe everyone!
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