6 communication

challenges
managers should
overcome to
engage teams
 cHALLENGE nO. 1:
remote work dynamics
Overcoming the sense of isolation in remote teams
and fostering a strong, cohesive work culture.

Nurture Connection
Foster a sense of connection and belonging among
What to do remote team members. Use collaborative tech tools
to your advantage and create regular opportunities
for informal interactions to maintain team cohesion
and engagement.

Host virtual coffee breaks or cuppa huddles where

team members can socialize and discuss non-
work-related topics.
Implement a 'virtual open door' policy,
encouraging team members to reach out
informally via chat or video calls whenever they
need support or just want to chat.
 cHALLENGE nO. 2:
Generational Differences
Communication gaps and work style differences
across various age groups within the team.

Bridge Communication Gaps

Foster a culture where every generation feels valued
What to do and understood. Facilitate intergenerational
dialogue and collaboration platforms; employees will
benefit from the rich mosaic of all members'
experiences and viewpoints.

Create mentorship programs pairing younger and

older employees to facilitate knowledge
exchange and mutual learning.
Conduct regular training sessions focused on
enhancing digital literacy and soft skills to bridge
gaps in technological fluency or communication
preferences.
 cHALLENGE nO. 3:
language barriers
Addressing and overcoming language barriers that
hinder clear communication and team cohesion.

Create Spaces for Understanding

Prioritize clear communication and cultural
What to do sensitivity to create an environment where every
team member feels confident to contribute,
regardless of their language proficiency. Implement
supportive practices and tools.

Utilize translation tools and services during

meetings and in written communications to
ensure clarity and inclusiveness.
Offer language learning support or classes to
employees, encouraging and facilitating
improvement in the primary business language.
Encourage the use of visual aids and clear, simple
language in presentations and communications
to aid understanding across language barriers.
 cHALLENGE nO. 4:
workplace conflicts
Managing and resolving conflicts in a way
that maintains trust and team unity.

Build Trust through Empathy

Adopt a proactive approach, addressing disputes
What to do with empathy and understanding to uncover the root
causes of conflicts. Encourage a culture of
transparency and respect, where people can
navigate disagreements constructively,

Create a conflict mediation protocol that

provides a clear, step-by-step process for
addressing and resolving disputes within the
team.
Ask for feedback! Lead by example: see feedback
as an opportunity for growth and improvement
and thank your team for their inputs..
 cHALLENGE nO. 5:
organizational silos
Barriers between different departments or teams
can stifle collaboration and innovation.

Foster Unity for success

Dismantle silos by fostering an organizational culture
What to do that values openness, shared goals, and collective
success. Encourage interaction and collaboration
between different departments and create a more
interconnected and innovative workplace.

Organize cross-departmental meetings or

projects that require collaborative problem-
solving and innovation, encouraging teams to
work towards common goals.
Promote a company-wide platform for sharing
knowledge, successes, and challenges, enhancing
visibility and appreciation for different
departments' contributions.
 cHALLENGE nO. 6:
difficult conversations
Navigating sensitive discussions about performance,
organizational changes, or feedback.

Lead with Empathy and Clarity

Approach these discussions with a clear strategy,
What to do focusing on empathy, honesty, and constructive
feedback. Prepare for these potentially challenging
conversations to turn them into opportunities for
growth and development.

Prepare for difficult conversations: outline key

points and desired outcomes, ensuring clarity and
focus during the discussion.
Listen! Allow employees to express their
perspectives fully before responding with
empathy and understanding.
Follow up after the conversation to offer support,
check on progress, and reinforce any positive
changes or agreed-upon action plans.