One thing I notice in today’s fast-paced world is that we do not have time for communication. Yet clear and confident communication has always helped me build collaboration, trust, and efficiency within teams. That is why many professionals ask what do I need to learn to communicate clearly in the limited time I have? This was the focus of a recent training program for the management team at the National Literacy Agency (NLA) in Malta.
1. Reason For Engagement: Take Teamwork To Next Level
Partnering with MISCO, the NLA sought to create a space where their team could connect, engage, and refine their communication skills to enhance their management effectiveness. The experience was not just about imparting knowledge but they wanted to transform how the team interacted and led their initiatives.
2. Outcome Sought: Giving Feedback Whilst Strengthening Relations
A common challenge many professionals face is giving feedback without damaging the relationships. Like many, there were many times where I avoided feedback, but it always came at a cost. Over time I learnt that clear and open feedback avoids misunderstandings, hesitation in addressing conflicts and fosters an expanded cohesive work environment.
3. Content Design: Effective Communications For Effective Managers
To address these challenges, I designed the training to be interactive and engaging, combining both theory and practice to give the management team a frame whilst learning about this experientially. The key areas covered included:
Effective Communication: After understanding the base theory they practiced with a 60 seconds communication exercise to frame clear communications & listen to each other.
Giving Difficult Feedback: Through a structured group exercise, teams identified an issue, worked on it using theory and applied it in practice.
Assertiveness In Communication: Using simple metaphors and group discussions, awareness was raised on different dynamics that hinder and support communications.
4. The Delivery: Offsite Training At My Old School
The training took place at Archbishop’s Seminary, an especially meaningful venue for me, as it was my secondary school. To make it even more special, one of my ex-teachers was present in the training making it a full home-coming for me. During the delivery, I focused on on using structured activities and open discussions to support them in experiencing, learning and discussing how to improve feedback effectively.
5. The Impact: New Possibilities In Team Relations
Over the course of the training I noticed that the team changed perspective on what it means to give feedback. As they felt more equipped to handle difficult conversations and gained confidence in leading with clarity, their engagement and enthusiasm grew. A key takeaway that came out from the group was that giving difficult feedback can be easy with openness and a clear, direct approach open for discussion.
6. Lessons Learned: Practical Takeaways for Readers
For professionals looking to improve their communication and leadership skills, here are a few key insights from this training:
Approach feedback with a growth mindset. Instead of seeing it as criticism, view it as an opportunity for development.
Use structured methods like the DESC model. Having a clear framework ensures that feedback is constructive and well-received.
Practice active listening. Communication is a two-way process—being receptive to others is just as important as expressing yourself clearly.
Create a safe space for dialogue. The more open and transparent a work environment is, the easier it becomes to handle difficult conversations.
7. Conclusion & Call to Action
Training sessions like this are transformative experiences that could shape the way your team collaborates and leads. By investing in communication training, you can cultivate stronger leaders, more engaged employees, and a workplace culture that thrives on trust and openness.
If you’re looking to enhance your team’s communication skills and leadership effectiveness, I’d love to explore how we can work together. We can work either together by
Contacting me Adrian Xuereb Archer on adrianxuerebarcher@gmail.com.
Going through MISCO (who have an extensive training catalogue) through this link: https://miscomalta.com/contact-us/
Let's start a conversation on how tailored training can empower your team for long-term success.
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