The power of effective communication in the workplace cannot be underestimated. Effective communication is crucial as it provides an opportunity for companies to operate effectively and be productive. Employees who are able to communicate and express themselves clearly regardless of position or rank are more likely to experience an increase in commitment, productivity, and morale (Agarwal, 2010).
While I was working as an intern for an electric company in Boston, Massachusetts, the IT department encountered a technical problem and almost all of the systems were malfunctioning. The employees of the department were in frenzy as they did not quite know how to address the challenge given that it had never happened before. As an intern, I was not liable for anything and all I could do was watch. At the time, the manager was not around as he had traveled for business reasons. The acting manager, who had been newly promoted to the management board, was the one everyone looked upon. After some few hours, he summoned a meeting with the employees to discuss the issue at hand. He informed everyone that the technical problem was a result of the servers being tampered with. After the meeting was over, the acting manager could be seen doing his rounds but this time, he stopped by every employee’s desk to discuss on viable solutions for the problem. As an intern and fixed at the corner of one of the rooms, I was surprised when he approached me and solicited my advice. I thought that such a senior manager approaching the lowest-ranked employee was highly uncalled for until the issue had been resolved about two hours later. As he conversed with every employee on a face-to-face basis, he noted down ideas and later reviewed them at his office. The body language was also positive. Furthermore, he encouraged employees to discuss amongst themselves and let his doors open to anyone who wished to contribute with regard to solving the problem. Several employees flocked his office and sooner rather than later, a true solution had been arrived at.
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The communication strategy the acting manager had employed was very effective; since the approach and channels of communication chosen were most appropriate; open lateral and vertical communication. The acting manager did not confine himself within the walls of his office and look to solve the problem by himself. Rather, he approached each employee, one by another and talked with them face-to-face. The communication was now less official and more personal. As a result, the employees were at relative ease and could express their thoughts and ideas openly without the constraints of ‘being official’. The acting manager, to some degree, had secured the trust of the employees. The company thus benefited from increased worker productivity.
Moreover, I believe the communication was effective since there was a great deal of clarity. Upon the realization of the problem, the acting manager summoned a meeting to inform the employees of it. He made it very clear and was straight to the point about the cause of the problem. This helped eliminate or minimize any confusion that may have come into play in the problem-solving process. Ensuring clarity of the message and purpose proved vital as the employees together with the management were able to collaborate to come up with the best solution. The company was, therefore, able to save on time that could have been wasted discussing irrelevant issues that could have potentially impeded the problem-solving process. The company’s efficiency was improved.
Last but not least, I deem the communication to have been effective since it allowed for the stakeholders to understand and collaborate with each other. One scenario that could have played out was that the company’s employees including the acting manager could have isolated themselves and tried to solve the challenge independently. Such an approach could likely have been fruitless since bias and competition would cloud the soundness of any solution made. Instead, the acting manager fully engaged the employees in the problem-solving process and promoted lateral discussion among the employees themselves. From a holistic perspective, members of the department understood and collaborate with each other to come up with a feasible solution. The collective approach helped the company increase employee job satisfaction. The employees were able to develop a sense of belonging and appreciation. As the employees worked together with one another, the strength and mentality of the employee workforce were greatly enhanced. The interaction between the employees and their superiors improved fostered their trust in the management and the organization as a whole.
Effective communication is important in the workplace since it helps develop and maintain strong ties not only with employees but also with customers and other relevant stakeholders. In addition, it paves way for innovation and efficient decision-making. Cooperation and innovation grow as employees feel comfortable and are more open to communicating their ideas and thoughts. Effective communication also helps build an effective and cohesive team (Harvey, 2006). With good communication also comes increased employee morale. Once employees are informed concerning the vision and direction of the company, they feel more secure in their positions. Besides, effective communication helps build a strong work ethic especially when staff achievements are recognized and appreciated. The management is able to inform and educate employees about their respective responsibilities and offer constructive feedback through effective communication. Moreover, effective communication plays an essential role as far as the growth of the company is concerned. Any lack of communication predisposes the organization to collapse. Conversely, effective communication can result in increased productivity and supports faster and efficient policy implementation.
References
Agarwal, O. (2010). Effective communication Mumbai India: Himalaya Pub. House
Harvey, N. (2006). Effective communication Dublin: Gill & Macmillan.
