Communication Flow

Earlier this week I was thinking about how communication flows in an organization? Companies can be thought of as mini global units, as most communications are global within their own organizations. Communications go up, down, side-to-side, and out into the world. In most businesses, employees and management communicate good news, bad news, project reports, status reports, and more up and down the organizational ladder, and often the same information is communicated laterally. Communications also go out to clients in the guise of press releases, proposals, emails, and project reports.

I've seen too many company communications that aren't clear, and don’t represent the company's message. Too often employees, management, and outside recipients find themselves confused about the message being communicated. Just getting your message out doesn't always convey what you're trying to say. I believe intent and execution are key to ensuring good communication flow no matter in which direction you're communicating.

Listening as a Communication Tool

I’ve found myself watching and listening to the “talking heads” on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, getting all the divergent opinions.  One of the things I’ve noticed that is fairly consistent across the networks is the tendency of every one on these programs to talk at once.  Often times, I hear someone say “if you would just listen to me….,” And then everyone goes off again.  Yes, this is a very contrary, difficult political climate, and yes it is a time of posturing for the upcoming election; however, how can you effectively communicate if you’re not listening?

How many times have you been in a meeting and it’s apparent that few people are really listening?  Too often we sit trying to figure out what we’re going to say next that will prove our point.  What could be solved if we just listened?  Interesting idea, yes?  I have found that the most effective way to communicate is to listen.  Our ears can be very effective communication tools. 

Communicating Just Right

 

I had lunch with a friend recently, and she talked for about the communication problems she was experiencing at work.  She works for a non-profit organization, so written and verbal communication are very important within her group.  She said she often felt that either she didn’t get enough information or she got entirely too much.  She also believes that the organization as a whole is not getting all the information necessary to ensure objectives were being given priority and met. 

As in most non-profits, information is essential to pursue the key objectives of the group.  In this organization, volunteers and information to volunteers is vital to keep everything running smoothly.  This organization is having a difficult time finding and maintaining ‘just right’ communication.  Like Goldilocks, how do we know what is ‘just right?’

Whether an organization is large or small, sometimes managers have a tendency to hoard information.  Or, they give out more information than necessary.  How do we know what’s ‘just right’?  Have you determined how you want communication to work in your company?  What’s your communication policy?  What information is necessary to keep everyone informed.  What needs to be kept secure?  There is a happy medium, and that’s what organizations need to find.  What keeps everyone informed, but maintains company security?  Once you can answer these questions, then you’ll have the answer to what’s ‘just right’ for you and your company.