Transforming Team Dynamics: Insights from HR Expert Christine Tom

Speak In Flow

Welcome to the Speak in Flow podcast, where we help you unleash the leadership voice within you and your team. In this episode, we’re joined by Christine Tom, an HR expert with over 15 years of experience. Christine shares insights on transforming team dynamics and improving communication in the workplace.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Non-verbal Communication's Role

Discover how body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice are vital in understanding and building trust within a team.

Addressing Communication Challenges

Learn about the common communication barriers that lead to misunderstandings and conflicts among team members, and how to overcome them.

Building Strong Work Relationships

Explore ways to understand team members' strengths and pain points, creating a supportive and cohesive environment.

Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue

Find out how to encourage open and honest communication, allowing team members to express concerns and preventing issues from escalating.

Practical Communication Strategies

Gain practical tips like having regular one-on-one meetings, understanding individual communication preferences, and using icebreakers to foster connections. Learn how acknowledging mistakes can be a pathway to growth and success.

Key Takeaways:

Non-Verbal Communication: It's crucial for understanding and trust.

Communication Challenges: Miscommunication often leads to team friction.

Relationship Building: Knowing team members' strengths and weaknesses fosters a supportive environment.

Open Dialogue: A safe space for expressing concerns prevents issues from escalating.

Practical Strategies: Regular one-on-one meetings, understanding communication preferences, and using icebreakers help improve team dynamics.

Memorable Quotes:

"Communication issues often stem from a lack of understanding of each other's communication styles. It's like dating—there's uncertainty and potential for missteps. Effective communication involves not just words but also non-verbal cues, which are crucial for building trust and understanding."

"Spend time understanding your team members, their strengths, and their pain points. Practice transparent communication, share your own mistakes and learnings, and create an environment where open dialogue is encouraged. This builds trust and fosters a supportive team culture."

Connect with Christine Tom:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinestom/

About the Guest:

Christine Tom's early experiences watching her parents work in sweatshops in San Francisco profoundly shaped her career in human resources. As an HR Business Partner, Christine collaborates with leaders to design initiatives that foster talent, create career pathways, and drive organizational success. Her work encompasses all aspects of the employee journey, from recruiting and onboarding to talent management and leadership coaching. With experience across tech, professional services, and healthcare, Christine has recently partnered with senior leaders at Robert Half to develop global talent programs and HR technologies.

Outside of work, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, attending her son's soccer games, watching Netflix, exploring new restaurants, and dancing to Top 40 tunes in her kitchen with her German Shepherd by her side.

Fun-facts:

• Her favorite music is Brazilian songs, especially those that blend Latin music, R&B, soul music, reggae, and traditional Brazilian percussion (Her first collection of CDs were of Brazilian singers)
• She knows how to Samba
• She has a weakness for ramen

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

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