Good communication keeps a team running smoothly, but even the best systems can get a bit creaky over time. That’s why it’s important for managers to step back now and then to check if communication is still working well—or if it needs a bit of a refresh.

Reviewing team communication doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with observation. Are messages getting lost? Are deadlines being missed because of unclear instructions? Do team members look confused after meetings? These small signs can point to bigger issues.

One simple way to start is by asking the team directly. A manager might say, “How are we doing with communication? Are there things that aren’t working as well as they could?” This opens the door for honest feedback. For example, a team member might say they miss key updates because they’re scattered across too many platforms—email, chat apps, and project boards. That’s valuable insight.

Surveys or suggestion boxes can also help gather feedback, especially if the team is large or some people feel shy speaking up. A few quick questions like “Are meetings helpful?” or “Do you feel well-informed about changes?” can highlight common concerns.

Another useful method is to reflect after big projects. Once something is finished, a short team debrief can help spot what worked and what didn’t. For instance, the team might agree that weekly updates were helpful but that last-minute messages caused unnecessary stress. A manager can then suggest solutions, like setting a weekly deadline for updates or using clearer subject lines in emails.

Improving communication often means simplifying it. If the team is juggling too many tools, it might be time to streamline. Maybe move most updates to one central place, like a shared task board, or shorten long email threads with a weekly summary instead. The goal is to make communication easy to follow and easy to act on.

It’s also important to consider different communication styles. Some people prefer written instructions, while others need a quick chat to fully understand. A thoughtful manager gets to know their team and mixes up the methods to suit them. For example, they might send a clear written plan after a meeting, so no one has to rely on memory alone.

Once changes are made, it’s important to check in again. Ask the team after a few weeks, “Has this new way helped?” Being open to tweaking things shows the manager is listening and cares about making life easier for everyone.

In short, communication isn’t something you fix once and forget. A great manager keeps an eye on how it’s working, listens to feedback, and isn’t afraid to make improvements. When communication flows well, the whole team feels more connected, informed, and ready to get things done.

This post assists completion of the following unit criteria:

301 ML11 3.6 Review the effectiveness of team communications and make improvements