The Organization's Communication And Energy

You may lead or work in an organization that has a lot of potential for success, but if communication in that organization is not vibrant, the chances of success are greatly diminished. Just as a well charged battery energizes the automobile, vibrant and effective communication energizes the organization.

Simply put, communication in the organization drives understanding and allows for getting something done. On the corporate level, the individual members of the organization, both leaders and working members, need communication about the organization's vision, mission, values and goals. They also need to know about the products and services and how these impact the end used, customer or client.

Members also need to know about the policies and procedures that allow the organization to function in an orderly manner to accomplish its goals. Members need to know what is important about their jobs and what contribution they make to the organization's output. They need to know the necessary levels of quality of that contribution and what performance expectations are.

On an interpersonal level, communication is also vital. We hear so much today about the importance of using social media to be connected to other people. We communicate on these media to exchange viewpoints, information and ideas. and when we do it for business purposes, we connect to people who share the kinds of work we are engaged in. We gain by belonging to these networks and others can gain from us, as well.

We need to stoke the energy in the network called "our organization." This demands lots of internal interpersonal communication, developing an internal social media. Organizations today should be energized by communication that can easily be conducted across divisions and departments, up, down and in all directions.

The organization's communication battery can remain highly charged if there is understanding of the communication process on the part of all. While personalities differ and members are from different backgrounds and cultures, the following simple suggestions ensure interpersonal communication remains effective:

-Communication is a mulch-directional process wherein parties involved seek to understand as well as be understood.

-Use a variety of means including speaking, writing and visual.

-When giving information, do so at a reasonable rate so others involved have time to digest.

-Seek feedback and ask questions to ensure all parties involved understand.
 

There are reasons communication in an organization can break down. Perhaps there is not enough action on the part of leadership to charge the battery. Or there is a culture that inhibits communication from being the organization's life blood. There can also be interpersonal conflicts.

It is important for the organization to monitor how well communication is flowing, both within the structure of the organization and inter personally. Putting energy into cultivating the positive communication that drives the organization pays off both short and long term in contributing to success.