Special edition newsletter
DIARY OF SUCCESS - People who drive the business world
Tanja Vasojević, Tadaaa Agency - For each of us to understand that we are human first, and only then a manager, director, professional...
Tanja Vasojević (Photo: Lična arhiva)
Today, Tanja successfully combines knowledge from various sectors, applying them thus to place humanity and openness in the center of business communication. She believes that the key to success lies in simplicity, authenticity and two-way communication.
Her professional path is shaped by the core values she cherishes - freedom, openness and humanity,
which makes her an inspiring interlocutor and example how success is achieved by believing in one`s own decisions and passion for work.
The transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship was a natural step for our interlocutor guided by its fundamental values.
- My greatest life value is freedom. If you feel that in one place you are losing what is most important to you, do you need a clearer signal and a greater motive to leave that place? The corporate world has its upsides, I learned a lot in it, but when sometimes I am asked for my opinion
I say it`s high time for a serious change - Tanja begins her story for eKapija.
As an entrepreneur, she points out that she enjoys making decisions that are completely her own and taking responsibility for their outcomes.
- As an entrepreneur, I enjoy it first of all. I enjoy being able to work in a way which I consider to be the best and that`s where the real responsibility comes from. Now I can see how each of mine,
really only mine, decision directly affects the outcome, no matter what it is - she points out.
Differences between the Small and the Big
When asked about the differences in internal communications between small and large businesses, the interlocutor points out that smaller teams are often more sincere and authentic.
- Small groups really know all their members. It`s easier for them to be honest, authentic and human. In such teams, the communication is often more open, which enables faster problem solving and strengthening mutual trust - she explains.
On the other hand, large companies have greater resources, but they often "suffer" from formality and slow decision-making.
- Big companies have more resources, often also more knowledge, but they need more effort to get out of their formal nature and also exhibit (corporate) humanity. The ones that make it will be really great. What troubles small businesses is often the lack of resources for the implementation of more serious communication strategies, whereas large companies often suffer from information overload and slowness in decision-making. The success of internal communication depends on the organization`s ability - regardless of size - to create a culture of openness and cooperation - she adds.
Simple but sincere messages are most important
According to her, the basis of good communication is recognition of humanity, both in managers and employees.
- It is crucial that each of us understands that we are human first and only then a manager, or a director, or a professional in a certain field. Who acts according to basic human principles doesn`t have to go through extensive training to communicate well with employees, with colleagues, or with superiors - he states.
She believes that simple but honest messages are the most important.
- I suggest every entrepreneur and manager to wait for their employees in the morning, at the beginning of the working day, and wish them good morning. Also, I suggest sending an email to each employee individually in the same working week which will contain only one sentence, a question sentence - How are you?
Coping with discontent and challenges
Many entrepreneurs and managers often think that internal communications is the sole task of the HR department or managers. However, Tanja believes that communication is the responsibility of all employees.
- I wouldn`t convince anybody of that. Communication is what separated homo sapiens from other animal species and made him a winner in the struggle for survival. People have a natural need and desire to communicate, because it makes them part of a group, and that group is the real strength. Communication exists only if it`s two-way. I don`t know if you have tried to communicate with a stone, I will tell you that it is difficult - says our interlocutor.
Discontent among employees is often much deeper than it seems at first glance, Tanja explains.
- Discontent is much greater than what surfaces. It seems to me that the credit for that goes to the older generations which are modeled according to the principle: Shut up, it`s the boss, you need the job. But those times are changing, I am glad that younger people than me are not ready to suffer even M from mobbing - she says.
There are only two steps to resolve a situation where you are being neglected or manipulated, Tanja points out.
- The first is to make it clear that you will not tolerate it. The second is to clearly show that you were serious about the previous one - our interlocutor underlines.
Digitalization did not change the essence
In the last few years, changes in internal communications mainly refer to technical solutions, such as a remote collaboration tool.
- The essence of communication has remained the same - understanding and openness - she says.
The most valuable moment in my career and a message to my younger self
The most challenging, but also the most valuable moment for her was the resignation from the manager position.
- It was a difficult decision, but it taught me how important it is to listen to yourself and believe in your vision - she emphasizes.
When she thinks about the advice she would give her younger self, Tanja admits that she would do many things differently.
- It`s easy to be clever afterwards - she says with a smile and adds: - But we are all lucky to progress and change, which makes life beautiful, and that possibility life-saving.
As she says, she would teach the younger version of herself several important lessons:
- You have to trust people when they show you who they are. Also, one should not be too enthusiastic in taking on too much responsibility in the desire to contribute, nor naive in the belief that others are working with the same zeal.
These lessons learned, she concludes, shaped her approach to life and work later in her career.
Ivana Žikić
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