COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS
“The belief is this: every person in the world wants voice and dignity, and every person deserves them. By 'voice,' I mean people want the opportunity to speak their minds and have their ideas, opinions, and feelings heard, regardless of their nationality, gender, age, or culture. By 'dignity,'I mean people inherently and instinctively want to be respected for their work and effort and individuality.” ~ Scripted from the blockbuster of the eighth Chairman and CEO of General Electric Company, Jack Welch's winning.
Dignity, just like love, is conferred on a person through words and deeds. Leader wields influence through persuasion, motivation, and honour {communicating esteem to others through service and in return inspire them to act}.
Communication Protocols aims to look at the nuances of communication ~ that manner to convey thoughts such that 'that' voice and dignity which every man seeks is accorded him. Let's address the different flows of communication in an organisation and the die rent elements to cultivate in each scheme.
1. Top-down Communication
Top-down communication refers to an interaction that flows from the head/point man/project coordinator to his/her subordinates. The foremost trait to display to your team players is sincerity. Let your mouth and gesticulation really depict the act of the hour. Yes, diplomacy is required at certain times. However, you owe your team that reliability. It's a gridlock working with dishonest leaders. Mean that compliment when you say it. State your vision with clarity. Correction and rebuke should be done in love, that is, for constructive purposes and not the reverse. Correct him who errs but doesn't know he goofs; rebuke the man who stumbles knowing the right thing to do but didn't do it. Encouragement remains one of the best gifts you could ever over your people. Leaders must also learn to receive feedback. It's a form of communication. Listening to your subordinates too has attached benefits [see L – LISTENING].2. Parallel Communication
This refers to your communication with co-team leaders or colleagues in your organisation. Great team players seek to promote the coexistence of everyman on the team. Let your words and actions communicate passion. Seek to point tiring players to the big picture of the organisation. If you notice a team player is struggling at a responsibility and an assignment, stylishly seek to help if you could. Be objective when giving out feedback [see F – FEEDBACK]. And yes, ensure you tighten every loose end on your path too. Avoid gossiping, rather encourage. Do not sow discord. Let your lips disperse knowledge and understanding at all times. Don't hoard vital information; it profits no one. If you have a clue to who or what resource can help your colleague to get the job done speedily and cost-effectively, proffer it. Celebrate others' achievements.3. Bottom-up Communication
When communicating with your superior, seek to clarify expectations. I have seen several instances where team players, when assigned new roles, just rush out to start acting. Granted, there are situations where you need to act almost immediately. It would do you some good to get clarity from your head: Know the figure anticipated; the expected growth rate; what, when and how should you implement the task? Learn to listen to the rhythm of your leader's heart ~ learning to hear what is not said {a very crucial attribute every leader must possess}. Present your case or suggestion to your head with discretion. Don't cross boundaries by proposing a vision to your leader. Rather submit opinions on how the present vision or goal can be achieved. Read moods. Then submit your opinions respectfully and loyally. Trust your head to give you a honest feedback on your performance level in the organisation. There's a part of you that other people see better than youcan, receive such feedback openheartedly. When under pressure, endeavor to yet respond to your team head with the right tone. You will make mistakes but always keep your intentions right. The more reason you must feed on right thoughts always.All said, communication is incomplete or ineffective when Mr B cannot accurately interpret or understand what Mr A has just conveyed. Communication barriers intercepts when the wants, needs and attitudes of the other party are not met. Circumvent these roadblocks by achieving clarity. How? Establish purpose. Spot on delivery. Ascertain understanding. And listen proactively.
Excerpts from Femi TIAMIYU's A-Z OF CAMPUS LEADERSHIP
You can still download FOR FREE the abridged version of A-Z OF CAMPUS LEADERSHIP @ www.livelystone.com.ng
Thank me later!!!
@femitiamiyu
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