We are almost an entire month into the new year, but that does not mean it is too late to start working on self-improvement. As a manager or employer, improving your employee communication skills should always be a goal. From interacting with employees on a daily basis to mass communication across the organization, communicating is crucial.

To help you improve your communication skills this year, here are a few things you can start doing today:

Be Clear

When communicating with employees in individual and large settings, be as clear as possible. Communicate your expectations concisely and if you need to inform employees about changes in policies or procedures, be clear about how that affects them.

Observe

Communicating does not just take place when you are speaking. An important aspect of communicating with employees and coworkers is listening to what they have to say and paying attention to their body language. How are they reacting? What are they saying? Observe and see how you can best interact with others.

Personality

Just because you are the manager or boss does not mean you cannot have fun with those around you. Interact with them on a more personal level. It might help to walk around the office or workplace on a daily basis and see how others are doing.

Body Language

One thing that often goes overlooked when it comes to communication is body language. Everything from the way you are standing, to your eye movement, to the way you are holding your arms communicates a feeling, tone, or reaction. Be conscious of what your body language is saying.