The 3 keys to effective manager comms training

When manager comms break down, it’s often not because managers did anything purposefully wrong. It’s usually because managers aren’t trained to properly communicate messages to their reports.

During Ragan’s Manager Communications Certificate Course, Dr. Robert Carroll, assistant professor of instruction at the University of Texas, Austin, Moody College of Communication, introduced concepts that form the cornerstone of effective manager communications — and the training that helps managers share messages effectively.

“When I think about what makes manager training strong and specific, it typically boils down to three things — conflict, communication and culture,” he said. “These are not the only things to consider, but they are the foundation I base all of my manager training on.”

He added that proper training also helps avoid headaches when communications are urgent or fast-paced.

“When we don’t prepare people, everything feels like an emergency,” Carroll said. “When we do prepare them, managers can go out and make the right decisions at the right time, whether that’s responding to leadership direction or supporting their teams through change.”

Carroll added that manager training should always be focused within the context of the business and company culture.