Are you missing deadlines? Accidentally doing work that someone else has already completed? Wondering if your co-worker is already handling a task or if it's on your plate?

These are just a few of the problems that arise when we fail to communicate clearly and consistently with our supervisors and co-workers. I see it all the time in companies when I get called in to consult on projects hindered by disorganization. After a minimal amount of investigation into what is really going on, the culprit is very often a lack of communication between team members.  

When one person doesn’t have the timeline for a project and isn’t sure where it currently stands in the process, the solution isn’t to flounder around wondering; rather, you need to go directly to the person from whom this information should be coming and ask for a status update. It’s such a simple solution, but so often, it gets missed. One person’s lack of communication can have huge ripple effects on projects, deadlines and ultimately the bottom line.

Is communication your missing link to increased productivity and efficiency? Here are a few solutions to consider:

1. If you are waiting on something and need the information in order to move ahead, it doesn’t hurt to ping the person with an email or voicemail and just check in as a gentle reminder.
2. If you don’t meet already with your manager regularly, consider setting up a weekly “check-in” meeting. This should not to take the place of larger group meetings, but should be used to ensure that you are staying on the same page and consistently meeting expectations.
3. If you work with a team, make sure you're meeting face-to-face regularly to check in on the progress of projects.  Again, these are just quick check-ins. Remember that instant messages, emails and phone calls don't take the place of face-to-face communication.
4. Be clear about job descriptions and who is responsible for a specific project or task.
5. Ask for help! If you are drowning in a project and need help, ask your supervisor for feedback or request assistance from a co-worker so you can stay on track with deadlines and other responsibilities.

Clear, consistent, simple communication is the best tool when it comes to keeping your personal productivity levels boosted. Without it, it’s easy to second guess yourself and lose your center.  So, the next time you find yourself wondering if someone else already did that “thing” or questioning what that person’s role is in a project – instead of wondering, just ask!