Communication centres on the exchange and sharing of information between people. With so many focusing on optimizing the communication within teams and/or from a leader-follower standpoint, there’s a type of communication that tends to be missed in the process; lateral communication.
This refers to the communication that happens within departments or organization units; usually at the same hierarchical level as each other. Since this communication too is dedicated to the purpose of coordinating activities, efforts or fulfilling a common purpose or goal. This is lateral communication.
Time is of the essence in a project, so you may need to optimize the time spent planning and communicating between different departments. One way to have this done would be to schedule regular check-ins or meetings where problems, plans and progress can be discussed.
In a work context that runs hybrid (WFH and on-site), a good communication tool will be needed, so as to reach out to many as reaching any one of them. MultiCall is that tool, with how it can bring people together, and give everyone the right and ability to contribute value to the conversation. Here’s everything you need to know about the tool!
The Call Monitoring System allows you to maintain check-ins with the entire team, and they can report on progress, plans, and challenges together with you.
Doing so can clearly indicate to anyone in management about the frequency and basis for lateral communication. This in turn can result in informal communication between members of each department.
With the help of MultiCall’s Scheduling feature you can set recurring calls, as well monitor as the duration. Depending on your company, it may also be useful to have a member of the management team present during interdepartmental meetings to ensure the accuracy of information communicated.
Remember: Fail to prepare; prepare to fail! The point of this board is to detail the most important communication items for your projects. It also would help in cases such as monitoring changes in policies, practices, and procedures over a stipulated time period. The message board can also help as a physical cue for communicating messages about daily concerns within the workplace.
Workplace culture issues can hinder effective lateral communication. Examples of these include competitive behaviours among peers, each trying to stand out for their own performance, rather than taking a holistic approach to the company and team’s well-being and overall performance.
Instead of incentivizing competition in the workplace, setting a reward-based system for group performance vs. an individual’s performance would allow for better lateral communication.
Assembling a team means bringing people together with diverse skills, experience levels, and backgrounds. With established lateral communication, the company is primed not just for decision-making but for execution towards an outcome as well. With far greater productivity, you’d be able to reach more, now.
In today’s fast-moving business environment, speed matters. Teams that communicate quickly can respond to challenges, seize opportunities, and make decisions before competitors. Faster internal communication gives enterprises a strategic advantage, improving collaboration and overall efficiency.
Business continuity depends on consistent and reliable communication. During disruptions, whether technical failures, natural events, or sudden operational challenges, teams must stay connected to maintain productivity. Audio conferencing offers a stable solution, allowing enterprises to continue operations seamlessly.
Unexpected disruptions can hit any business. Internet outages, technical failures, or emergencies can stop normal communication, affecting productivity and decision-making. Having a backup voice strategy ensures enterprises remain connected, respond quickly, and maintain operations even during disruptions.
In today’s fast-paced business world, communication is central to success. Teams need to connect frequently, share updates, and make decisions quickly. Investing in reliable audio conferencing systems ensures that businesses operate smoothly, maintain productivity, and stay competitive.
Emergencies demand speed and precision. When unexpected events strike, whether in business, healthcare, or field operations, delays in communication can cost time, resources, and even lives. Real-time voice communication ensures teams connect instantly, make quick decisions, and respond effectively.
In busy enterprises, communication should be simple, reliable, and secure. Complex platforms or unreliable connections can slow down collaboration and increase risks. Simple secure group calling provides a foundation for effective teamwork, allowing employees to focus on their work while staying connected and aligned.
