 As I watched the movie "Cool Hand
Luke" this statement made me chuckle. Not
because it was a particularly funny line, nor
was it the punch line of a joke. Rather because
there wasn't any communication happening. Paul
Newman's character, Luke, is in a prison that
is run by a dictatorial captain played by Strother
Martin. The movie documents the constant battle
between Luke and the rules of this prison.
All organizations have rules. All government
organizations have rules. How are those rules
and regulations discussed with the employees,
clients, customers, citizens, or vendors? Do
you feel like Strother Martin when you talk
about these rules? Do you often find yourself
saying, "What we have is failure to communicate."?
Why does this happen? My belief is that we
seldom look at the message and how it needs
to be presented. Each person needs information
differently. In many cases, the information
needs to be discussed not merely reported. Adults
need to be able to discuss information to fully
understand the message. To do this you need
to be able to understand your communication
style and the style of the individuals receiving
the message.
When communicating with others there are four
basic ways* of presenting information.
| 1. |
Straight
forward and to the point - These individual
want to know the bottom line first. They
want the information in a very direct manner.
Be brief and to the point when presenting
the information. If they need more information,
they will ask for it. You also need to respect
their knowledge and position. |
| 2. |
Informal
approach - With this group of people, the
information needs to be presented in a relaxed
informal manner. They need to be asked for
their suggestions. You need to let them
voice their feelings and thoughts regarding
the information. Keep the conversation light,
not a lot of details, until they ask for
it. |
| 3. |
Friendly
approach - A friendly systematic approach
is needed. Information should be given in
a slower process. These individuals need
to process the information internally before
moving on to new information. They need
to be appreciated for their value to the
organization. This group of individuals
values the details and plans. |
| 4. |
Data
approach - This final group of individuals
is the most reserved and shows little emotion.
They want to know all the specifics. They
need to know what is expected of them. Their
concerns need to be heard. Be sure to allow
them to process the information first. As
with the informal group, talk through the
information in a systematic order. |
How do you like to receive information? Especially
information that is not pleasant or against your
point of view. We tend to communicate in our preferred
style. I preferred the straight forward to the
point style of communication. When I communicate
information to my employees, I need to present
information in a manner that they prefer not in
my preference.
Once you understand what to look for, you can
create a message to reach all preference. If
you listen to most of the politicians, especially
during campaigns, their speechwriters have helped
them present information that will appeal to
each of the styles. You can accomplish it too.
Just think about how they want to hear the information
whether it is good or bad news.
"What we have is failure to communicate"
doesn't have to be the norm. We can and must
learn to communicate effectively if we want
to succeed.
*Based on the DiSC Personal Profile
System published by Inscape Publishing.
By: Margie Thomas
|
