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Communicating Change
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  • Case Study of a Non-communicating Boss
  • 3 Tenets of Communication Flow Excellence
  • The Results of Not Closing the Communication Loop
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    Word count for this issue: 1062

    About 5 minutes to read, 10 seconds to print & read later.


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    Why didn't somebody tell me?

    These angry frustrated words are said every day in the workplace. Someone was working on a project or process and discovered that the plan had changed. All of their work had gone for naught! They are experiencing relationship tension with the person or persons that did not inform them of the change of plans in a timely manner. Untimely communication diminishes morale and increases cynicism.

    Recently an office manager came to me with frustration in her eyes and her voice. A volunteer from a school program showed up at her desk ready to learn. The manager was astounded because her boss had not told her that the volunteer was assigned to her for training in office management. In her mind she was most likely screaming, "why didn't somebody tell me?"

    The office manager was distraught and began making comments like these: "You know, I've been doing this a long time, maybe I should do something else". "My boss always does this to me, I don't know why I care." She was experiencing relationship tension and a lot of her energy, creativity, and attitude was being spent on internal dialogue that most likely included finding another job, confronting her boss, planning how to avoid her boss, or even how to hurt him with an accounting mistake or some other way in her mind that could be excused.

    A great deal of time and mental energy was wasted by the boss and the manager dealing with each other and by all the employees watching what was happening, not to mention the poor volunteer who didn't know what was going on. All this could have been avoided had the boss "closed the communication loop" with the manager from the beginning. Communicating change in a timely matter is very important for maximizing workplace efficiency. Below I will share 3 ways to increase communication flow on a timely basis.


    3 Tenets of Communication Flow Excellence

    1. Have a meeting on Monday morning with your team and discuss plans for the week. As the communication comes forth, make changes and assignments so the flow of work is understood and anticipated the same by everyone. Some organizations have daily morning meetings. The meeting can be done via a telephone conference call if the team members are in different locations.

    2. A newsletter communicates monthly events and happenings at a glance. It contains information regarding HR policies, sales, customer relations, team dynamics, recognition, appreciation, as well as fun stuff like birthdays, upcoming events, and clean jokes.

    3. Whenever there is a change in plans of any kind, RESOLVE to communicate to all people directly or indirectly involved. You can do it by email (be sure to send return receipt), a dated paper memo (low tech, but very effective), telephone, voice mail, fax, or announcement at a meeting. Notify everyone involved as soon as you become aware of the change.

    Of course, there is a lot more to optimal workplace communication than these three simple rules. But how many of the three are you doing? Have you committed yourself to communicating change as fast as you learn about it? Make your mind up to get all three of these best practices in your workplace. They will serve the work processes very well and will dramatically reduce relationship tension and increase morale.


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    Have you noticed the multiple page color brochures in your postal mailbox asking you to attend a workshop? Listen for a common theme in their testimonial comments:

  • "I plan to implement these skills with my work group."
  • "I learned a lot."
  • "The presenter was very good."
  • "The best information I've received on the subject."
  • "I enjoyed the seminar and feel it will help me in the area of assertiveness, self confidence, and self esteem."

    • The tenor of these commentaries is what the attendees think they will do in the future. Contrast those testimonials against our success stories. OURS ARE ABOUT RESULTS. Our testimonials come from people that have completed training and are stating the results they received—not what is going to hopefully happen.

    It is our goal to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. Learn about the process we go through to insure client satisfaction. It is all about going the extra mile. We think you are worth it!

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    The Results of Not Closing the Communication Loop

    • Wasted time and effort: Effective and timely communication is the bedrock for excellence at work. You must first strive for execution of timely and effective communication.

    • Distrust and average effort: To get your team to function at their best, they must respect their leader. The more they trust and respect the leader, the more they will contribute their attitude, creativity and energy. The leader has to work hard to earn and keep the trust of their staff and they do that with effective, timely communication.

    • Group energy drain: The better the communication, the better the morale. The old maxim "the speed of the leader is the speed of the group" still holds true. What do you need to do to improve morale and communication in your workplace?

    That's it for this time.

    Communicate, relate and prosper every day,

    Jim Rooney

    © Jim Rooney 2007. This article maybe used in whole or part as long as web address in noted.


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