Communication is at the heart of nonprofit work. Whether we are collaborating with colleagues, engaging volunteers, activating board members, or interacting with donors, clear and effective communication skills are essential. However, maintaining excellent internal communication within a team can be challenging with limited resources, diverse roles, shifting priorities, and remote or hybrid work environments.
These seven best practices will help your nonprofit improve team communication skills, enhance collaboration, and ultimately, maximize impact.
7 Strategies to Improve Communication in the Workplace
1. Foster a culture of transparency and openness.
Open communication starts with transparency. Encourage your team to share relevant information freely about organizational goals, challenges and successes. Transparent communication builds trust and ensures everyone is on the same page.
How to implement this
- Hold regular team meetings to provide updates on projects and organizational strategies.
- Use shared documents or dashboards to keep team members informed of progress.
- Create a “no surprises” policy where team members feel safe sharing both good news and areas of concern.
2. Promote active, non-judgmental listening.
Communication is a two-way street. While it’s important to share ideas and information, it’s equally vital to listen actively to what others are saying. Active, non-judgmental listening helps foster an environment of respect and inclusivity, which is particularly important in nonprofit settings where diverse voices and perspectives often converge. Hearing without judging is key.
How to implement this
- Encourage team members to paraphrase or summarize what a colleague has said before responding, ensuring mutual understanding.
- Provide training or workshops focused on active listening skills, especially during emotionally charged or complex discussions.
3. Clarify roles and expectations.
Confusion around roles or expectations is a common source of miscommunication, often exacerbated by shifting priorities and resources. Ensure that each team member understands their responsibilities and how their work contributes to your organization’s broader mission.
How to implement this
- Create detailed job descriptions and regularly revisit them, especially when there are organizational changes.
- Use project management tools or systems to outline who is responsible for each task or attempt to memorialize things in a shareable document.
- At the beginning of each project, clearly define each team member’s role and how they will collaborate with others, defining crossover responsibilities.
4. Leverage technology wisely.
With the rise of remote work and digital collaboration, nonprofit teams must be strategic about using technology to enhance communication. Misused or overused tools can create communication overload or confusion.
How to implement this
- Choose communication platforms that fit your team’s needs, whether it’s for quick updates, virtual meetings, or project management tools.
- Set guidelines for when and how to use different tools (e.g., email for non-urgent matters, messaging apps for quick questions).
- Provide training so everyone feels comfortable using the chosen platforms effectively.
5. Encourage open feedback.
To become a better communicator at work, each team member must feel comfortable giving and receiving feedback. This is particularly important in nonprofit organizations, where continuous improvement is critical for delivering on your mission.
How to implement this
- Create regular opportunities for feedback, such as after-action reviews following key events or projects. Ask yourself: “Who else needs to know this?”
- Encourage constructive feedback focused on specific actions rather than individuals.
- Offer training on how to give and receive feedback in a way that strengthens relationships and encourages growth.
6. Be mindful of diverse communication styles.
Nonprofits work with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, generations and professional experiences. Recognizing and adapting to different communication styles is crucial for building strong, inclusive teams.
How to implement this
- Provide training on cultural competence and communication styles, emphasizing the importance of empathy and adaptability.
- Create a space for team members to share how they prefer to communicate, whether through direct discussions, written reports or brainstorming sessions.
- Ensure your communication policies and practices reflect the diversity of your team.
7. Practice conflict resolution skills.
Even in the most collaborative environments, conflicts will arise. Effective communication skills are key to resolving these conflicts quickly and in a way that strengthens the team rather than dividing it.
How to implement this
- Equip your team with conflict resolution training that focuses on clear, respectful dialogue and problem-solving techniques.
- Foster an open-door policy where team members feel safe bringing up issues before they escalate. Make sure everyone feels seen, valued and respected by asking them. Try this “fill-in-the-blank” team exercise: I will feel seen, valued and respected when ________.
- Encourage a solutions-oriented mindset, where team members are focused on finding common ground rather than assigning blame.
Become a Better Communicator at Work
Effective communication skills are more than just a nice-to-have; they are a strategic asset for any nonprofit organization. By fostering transparency, encouraging active listening, and leveraging the right tools and practices, you can enhance your team communication skills, collaborate more seamlessly, and deliver greater impact.
