Dr. Nomita is a seasoned physician with nearly two decades of extensive experience in the Pharma Industry. She has successfully led and established regulatory teams across diverse geographical locations. Dr. Nomita is passionate about fostering people development and actively drives Diversity and Inclusion initiatives within her organization.
In a conversation with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, Dr. Nomita Saxena, Senior Director at AstraZeneca, shares her views and thoughts about effective communication skills.
How can we use data and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the communication strategies and make necessary adjustments?
To use data and metrics effectively for evaluating communication strategies, one should be aware of the objectives of the communication strategy. Whether it's increasing engagement, improving brand perception, or driving specific actions, having clear goals is crucial. Once the goals are identified, we should select relevant metrics and identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your objectives. Once the KPIs for communication are set up, use analytics tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, or specialized communication analytics platforms to gather relevant data. Ensure these tools are set up correctly to capture the necessary metrics. It’s important to consistently monitor the selected metrics over time. Track changes in performance and identify patterns or trends. Regular monitoring allows you to spot issues or successes promptly. Once sufficient data is collected it should be analysed to gain insights into the effectiveness of the communication strategies.
Look for correlations, anomalies, or areas where performance deviates from expectations. In addition to quantitative metrics, gather qualitative feedback through surveys, interviews, or customer reviews. This provides context and deeper insights into the impact of your communication efforts. Compare the collected data against the predefined objectives. Assess whether you've achieved the desired outcomes or adjustments are needed. Based on your analysis, make necessary adjustments to your communication strategies. This might involve tweaking messaging, changing channels, or refining targeting. Continuously iterate and optimize based on the insights gained. Keep a record of what worked well and what didn't. Documenting learning helps in refining future communication strategies and building institutional knowledge within your team. For example, if our goal is to increase online sales of a product by 20% by the end of the year, and you have rolled out a communication strategy in the form of online advertisements. Then after a predecided timepoint, you need to check the numbers of the % increase in sales. You can use tools like Google Analytics to see if more people visit and buy from the website. If the new online advertisement or social media posts have increased the sales then do more. If there has been no change or minimal change, then listen to the data analytics and change things for better results. Keep notes on what works and modify your approach. By following this data-driven approach, you can not only measure the effectiveness of your communication strategies but also make informed adjustments for continuous improvement.
According to you, what steps are to be taken to foster an inclusive communication environment within the team?
Fostering an inclusive communication environment involves several key steps and one of the top priorities is creating a safe environment. As a leader, encourage your team members to express diverse perspectives and opinions. Create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. The best way to grow for everyone is to have as many insights as possible. As a leader, you need to listen actively and also emphasize the importance of active listening. Ensure team members are engaged and genuinely understanding one another's viewpoints. Set guidelines for respectful and inclusive communication. Clearly define expectations for language, tone, and behavior within the team. Teams should be trained on cultural sensitivity and diversity. This helps team members understand and appreciate differences, fostering a more inclusive environment. Acknowledge and celebrate the unique strengths and contributions of team members. Recognize achievements and milestones, fostering a sense of belonging. Lead by example in promoting inclusivity. Demonstrate inclusive behaviors and actively address any instances of exclusion within the team. By implementing these steps, one can create a foundation for an environment that values diversity and inclusivity, ultimately enhancing team collaboration and innovation.
How can we handle communication challenges in a remote work setting, and what tools do you find most effective for virtual communication?
Handling communication challenges in a remote work setting involves a combination of strategies and effective tools. Schedule regular check-ins with individuals and team meetings to maintain connections and discuss ongoing projects. Using videos makes these meetings more meaningful as it gives the sense of being in one place. Establish clear communication channels for different purposes – project updates, casual conversations, and formal discussions. Define the preferred method for each type of communication. Utilize collaborative platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or other project management tools to streamline communication and document sharing. Any document which is a collaborative team effort can be written and reviewed in these channels as well.
Leverage tools like email, instant messaging, and video conferencing for different communication needs. Be mindful of the most appropriate tool for the context. Organize virtual team-building activities to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of camaraderie among team members. Guide virtual meeting etiquette to ensure effective communication. This includes using video, muting when not speaking, being mindful of time zones, and wearing business-appropriate clothes while on video. Use project management tools to keep everyone updated on project progress, milestones, and deadlines. This enhances transparency and accountability. By combining these strategies with effective tools, you can navigate communication challenges in a remote work setting, maintaining a cohesive and productive team dynamic.
How should we leverage technology and digital platforms for effective communication in a remote work environment?
In optimizing communication for remote work, it's crucial to harness technology effectively. Implement collaboration tools such as video conferencing platforms, messaging apps, and project management systems to facilitate seamless interaction. Foster a culture of regular virtual meetings, ensuring they are inclusive and provide opportunities for team members to share updates and insights. Encourage transparent communication through digital channels, keeping everyone informed about project progress, changes, and important announcements. Moreover, prioritize the accessibility of digital resources, ensuring that team members have easy access to documents, files, and relevant information. This not only streamlines workflow but also minimizes potential communication barriers. Emphasize the importance of utilizing asynchronous communication when applicable, allowing flexibility for team members in different time zones. Investing in training and onboarding for these tools is also pivotal to ensure everyone is proficient in their usage. Additionally, consider implementing virtual team-building activities to strengthen connections among team members despite physical distance. Last but not least; implement robust cybersecurity measures to ensure the secure exchange of information in the digital environment, protecting sensitive data.
How do women leaders stay updated on current communication trends and strategies, and how do they incorporate them into their leadership approach?
I think women leaders are no different than any other leader. To stay updated on communication trends and strategies one needs to actively participate in industry forums, attend relevant conferences, engage in continuous learning through webinars and workshops, and network with peers. One can subscribe to industry publications and follow thought leaders on social media platforms to stay informed. To incorporate these trends into their leadership approach, women leaders integrate new insights into their communication strategies. They encourage a culture of continuous learning within their teams, fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to share and implement innovative communication approaches. This adaptability ensures that their leadership style remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving landscape of communication trends.
