How different stakeholders communicate determines the level of success that an organization achieves (Fielding, 2006). This is particularly true for the armed forces. There is need for the different officers to develop and implement proper communication channels and techniques. As they do this, they create an environment where senior officers can issue commands to the officers in lower ranks. There are a number of principles that allow for strategic communication to occur. The adoption of these principles would allow such officers as the Sergeant Major to effectively execute their mandate.
The duties that the Sergeant Major is required to perform largely depend on the size of the unit over which he exercises command. However, there are certain duties that all Sergeant Majors perform regardless of the size of their unit. Serving as the link between the junior officers in the unit and senior commanders is among these duties (Elder, 2015). To effectively perform this duty, the Sergeant Major needs to embrace strategic communication. Credibility is among the key principles of strategic communication. Essentially, this principle requires individuals to be truthful and ensure that the information that they share is accurate (DOD, 2008). Since he serves as the bridge between the junior officers and senior commanders, the Sergeant Major must ensure that all details that he shares are based on facts and the truth.
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Encouraging dialogue and seeking to understand the different needs of different stakeholders are other principles of strategic communication (DOD, 2008). When an individual is involved with stakeholders from different backgrounds, he needs to promote discussion and consensus building. He also needs to consider the social and cultural backgrounds of the stakeholders. To perform his duty of connecting the senior and junior officers, the Sergeant Major needs to encourage inclusive discussions and make considerations for the varying social and cultural backgrounds of the officers. For example, the Sergeant Major could promote discussions between the junior officers and the senior commanders regarding the need for the senior commanders to safeguard the welfare of the junior officers. As he adopts the principles of strategic communication, the Sergeant Major will also be able to iron out any conflicts and other issues that arise.
Advising the commander of a unit regarding the performance of the officers in this unit is another role that the Sergeant Major needs to perform (Elder, 2015). This officer keeps a close eye on the soldiers in a unit to determine if their behavior and performance meet the set standards. The Sergeant Major then advises the commander accordingly. For him to perform this role fully and properly, this officer needs to adopt the strategic communication principle that places focus on leadership. Officers in the military need to ensure that their communication is leadership-driven (DOD, 2008). It is also important to ensure that the approaches that an officer adopts are result-oriented. As he adopts these principles, the Sergeant Major will be able to provide able leadership and relay his observations regarding the performance of the soldiers to the commander accurately. The Sergeant Major also needs to embrace credibility as he issues reports regarding the performance of the soldiers. These reports need to be credible, accurate and balanced.
Unity of effort and pervasiveness are two of the most important principles that facilitate effective and strategic communication in the armed forces (DOD, 2008). Officers should pull in the same direction. They should adopt consistent processes that allow for collaboration. It is also important for the officers to bring in all stakeholders. A Sergeant Major will do well to remember this. This officer should join forces with other officers to ensure that communication flows smoothly. The success that a unit achieves will depend to a large extent on how smooth the communication among different stakeholders is. The Sergeant Officer should strive to ensure that the junior soldiers are involved in discussions with the commanders. The Sergeant Officer must also work with the commanders so that all the instructions that are issued to the junior officers are consistent. In addition to facilitating clarity and smooth communication, this measure also enhances discipline and order.
Responding to the needs and concerns of junior officers is among the key roles of the Sergeant Major (Elder, 2008). The junior officers communicate their concerns to the Sergeant Major in the hope that the Sergeant Major will take these concerns to the commander who then takes action. It is crucial for the Sergeant Major to adopt a responsive communication style. Once he receives information, he should move with speed to act on this information. Responsiveness is an important principle of strategic communication (DOD, 2008). It inspires action and facilitates the conversion of resolutions into practice. As the Sergeant Major embraces a responsive communication style, he will earn the confidence and trust of his officers.
Another critical principle of strategic communication is continuity. Communication should not be a single act. Instead, it should be a continuous process that involves consultations, research and assessment (DOD, 2008). The Sergeant Major needs to routinely engage his junior officers in discussion. He should also constantly evaluate his communication style to ensure that it is satisfying the needs of his officers and allowing for smooth engagement with the senior commanders. Continuity essentially facilitates smooth, responsive and insight-driven communication.
In conclusion, the job of the Sergent Major can be daunting. This officer is expected to link junior officers with the senior commanders. He needs to update the senior commanders on the performance of soldiers. To effectively perform his duties, the Sergeant Major needs to adopt strategic communication principles. Continuity, responsiveness and the adoption of leadership-driven approaches are some of the key principles that the Sergeant Major should embrace. Adopting these principles enhances smooth communication while promoting discipline in the military.
References
Elder, D. (2015). The Changing Role of the Command Sergeant Major. Retrieved 24 th
October 2017 from http://ncoguide.net/the-changing-role-of-the-command-sergeant-major/
Fielding, M. (2006). Effective Communication in Organizations. Cape Town: Juta & Co.
U.S. Department of Defense. (2008). Principles of Strategic Communication. Retrieved 24 th
October 2017 from
http://www.au.af.mil/info-ops/documents/principles_of_sc.pdf
