Captain, All Hailing Frequencies Are Open
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Communication or lack there of seems to be a popular source of discussion on many of the blogs that I read. We all know that open and honest communication is important to be successful in both our professional and personal lives. What happens when we assume that everyone is on the same page of music only to find out that our leaders are playing Bach and everyone else in the organization is hearing Wagner? I found this posting on Execupundit.com entitled “Note From Boss to Employees” it makes the point that somethings are never better left unsaid and the old adage about assumptions holds true. 1. I am sometimes under enormous pressure from upper management; pressure that you seldom see. Anything that you can do to make my job easier will be greatly appreciated. 2. Your interests are important, but please remember that I also have to juggle the concerns and feelings of a bunch of other people, including individuals outside of the department. |
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3. I may not have been given a huge amount of training before being named to a supervisory position. As a result, I’ve had to learn through trial and error. That’s not always bad. Many of my responsibilities can only be learned through practice. 4. If you are a former co-worker of mine, please recognize that supervising former peers is one of the toughest jobs any supervisor faces. The support that you give me is crucial. 5. I will make mistakes. Please give me the same understanding that you’d like me to give you when you blunder. 6. If I do something dumb or am on the verge of doing so, please tell me. Don’t hint. Tell me. 7. I don’t like unpleasant surprises. Let me in on bad news as soon as possible. (Things that you believe are obvious may not be that clear to me. On the other hand, you’d be surprised at how quickly the latest gossip reaches my ears.) 8. I expect you to take initiative. If you keep bouncing things to me, I’m going to wonder why I have you around. 9. You should ask questions if you don’t know what to do. On the other hand, you should not have to be taught the same thing over and over again. 10. Let’s respect each other’s time. We each have a job to do and the more we can reduce unnecessary interruptions, the happier we’ll each be. 11. Don’t let all of my talk about meeting goals and producing results lead you into unethical behavior. You always have my permission to be ethical. 12. If either of us has a problem with the other’s performance, let’s talk about it. |
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Communication is one of the basic building blocks that can lead to either success or failure of any organization or team.
I really like how this article goes straight to the point on many communication assumptions and mistakes. Some that stood out to me are…
# 5. “I will make mistakes. Please give me the same understanding that you’d like me to give you when you blunder.”
– We will all make mistakes, but we need to NOT be afraid to make mistakes in order for us to grow and learn. A quote I recall that relates to this is from the 1947 Nobel Prize winner for literature Mr. Andre Gide: “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Fortunately, the support we get from our Alpha Kappa Psi brothers makes it a lot easier to overcome our mistakes, grow from it, and come back stronger.
# 6. “If I do something dumb or am on the verge of doing so, please tell me. Don’t hint. Tell me.”
– This is what we get from our pledge program. It’s not always easy to take criticism and turn it around into something positive and useful. You usually don’t get the straight-forward type of advice that you get while you pledge through our Alpha Kappa Psi program. This period of development and growth is what will make you a better person, a better leader and a better brother!
#8. “I expect you to take initiative. If you keep bouncing things to me, I’m going to wonder why I have you around.”
– Real leaders do not wait for orders; they are pro-active and find ways to make things better. These leaders do not need a position nor are they ever content with any situation; there’s always room for improvement, step-up and “be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi.
# 9. “You should ask questions if you don’t know what to do. On the other hand, you should not have to be taught the same thing over and over again.”
– I believe we have said this exact line to the Alpha Tau Pledge Class. I look forward to seeing them learn and mature as our Alpha Kappa Psi brothers (IF and WHEN, of course).
Mr. Vince Golangco said this on March 11, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Assumption is the mother of all communication mistakes. However it is so easy to assume that we are all in tune with Bach as Josh said, sometimes we must realize that our own communication isn’t as straightforward as we ‘assume’ it to be! Great blog Josh!
Robin Gerlach said this on March 12, 2007 at 9:09 am
Communication is SO crucial! It truly is a fundamental building block as Mr. Golangco noted, the standing theory/position on communication is that you “Can’t not communicate,” and anything that you’re doing every moment of the day is obviously something important.
Communication between people in different levels of the corporate hierarchy is especially important… peoples livelihoods are involved. Number six truly struck a chord with me.
“6. If I do something dumb or am on the verge of doing so, please tell me. Don’t hint. Tell me.”
People drop hints all the time with the idea that the other person will pick up on them and get the true meaning of what you’re trying to say. But it almost never works out that way. Dropping hints is bad communication – unless you and the other person share the same brain or are TRULY on the same page, they’re not going to get what you’re saying; they have other things on their minds.
Josh Simmons said this on March 12, 2007 at 11:33 am
Wow Josh, great post. Seriously I was trying to pick out a few points that I have seen in my management at my previous jobs and I can’t narrow it down. I have worked my way up from employee to trainer to management in several jobs and I wish I would have had a copy of this post to hand out each time! I know I have learned a lot about communication since pledging but I am learning more everyday. If I had to pick one to stress to Alpha Tau it would have to be the last one. Talk to each other guys, it is only way anything will get done =)
Amber Scott said this on March 12, 2007 at 11:57 am
The more I think about the post the more it becomes clear to me that the message is about “The Big Picture”, both from the perspective of someone in a leadership roll but also from a team member roll. I think sometimes that as team members we sometimes forget to look at the big picture and develop a sense of tunnel vision while trying to discharge the duties assigned to us. It is easy to forget that our leaders are being pulled in different directions and have other responsibilities, not just the ones that are visible to us. Though understanding and communication all of our goals can be reached but most importantly it is key to discuss what the big picture is and clear up any misconceptions about it.
Josh Green said this on March 12, 2007 at 2:31 pm
I never think of managers or bosses as people, realizing that just because they are in a leadership position doesnt mean that they are done growing and learning. Being a leader puts your mistakes and slip-ups on display no matter how small they may be, this is a difficult position to be in so those underneath them need to work with the leader for the good of the team, business, organization. I learn something new everyday, keep up the posting!
Anna Coburn said this on March 12, 2007 at 3:57 pm
I especially like #3 and think it really holds true in AKPsi. People have a tendency to look at their leaders like they “should” do no wrong but fail to realize that e board, initiation, and chairs (or your boss) are learning too and pledges and actives aid in that process. AKPsi is a safe environment for all those involved to learn and grow.
Ashley Ernsberger said this on March 14, 2007 at 10:53 am
I like #6 “If I do something dumb or am on the verge of doing so, please tell me. Don’t hint. Tell me.”
In order for us to grow as individuals as well as leaders, we need to be told when we are doing something wrong. It is always nice to have an outside perspective. Pointing out wrongdoing should be implemented especially in AKPsi since it is the setting to practice and become better leaders. If a brother is doing something incorrectly let them know. They should respect your constructive criticism so they can work on a weakness and strive to be a better leader.
Carley Crystal said this on March 14, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I must say all these “points” are very true….
These “points” are what my boss ask from us all the time…and because this lady always tells us she is pro-employee rather than pro-employer we gladly always help her and bend over backwards for her cuz she rocks! she always has our backs!
this lady is remarkable because day in day out she has to please 17 lawyers and 12 of them are partners here at the firm…at the same time keep 20-some numbered employees content…. shes told me her job is like she is a air traffic coordinator….
at work we had this legal secretary that was unhappy…so my boss told me that i should go to this lady everyday and ask her almost every hour that i am here if she needs help…(i though it would be extremely annoying since this secretary is a busy woman) but eversince i have been doing this the lady has been very pleasant to deal with…
these points also help you attain that “i’ll scratch your back if you scratch mines” ambiance
communication is a VITAL tool to have the most cohesive environment possible
so if you think these “points” will make you a “suck up” believe me they wont! they will just make you a more stand out employee to the tenth degree!!!!
EMPLOYERS LOVE COMMUNICATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EMILEE CANCIO said this on March 14, 2007 at 6:00 pm
I like that this article is straightforward and one that anyone can understand and appreciate. I especially liked #8 ” Take initiative…” and # 5 ” I will make mistakes…”, as I found both of them easy to relate to.
Failure to take initiative is a huge problem today. It seems as if everyone has ideas or opinions about things, but never have the courage to actually act on their ideas or dreams. Since I’m not a mind reader, the only way I get to experience someone else’s ideas is if they show me. Actions will always speak louder than words.
As for # 5 , no one is perfect and no one should be held to that high of standards. We are all human and we all make mistakes. What sets apart is how we learn and grow from our mistakes.
Ms. Samantha Carleton said this on March 14, 2007 at 6:06 pm
A quote I find interesting as it relates to this post:
The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it
has taken place.
George Bernard Shaw
I found this post very interesting. I especially could relate to number six. My former employer could not communicate. She was too afraid to be blunt, so she would constantly beat around the bush. Basically, she did not succeed in telling us what we needed to know and consequently, nothing got done. I understand the fear of being blunt or forward, but is it really worth wasting time and money beating around the bush?
Robyn Seidel said this on March 14, 2007 at 11:47 pm
I really liked number nine:
“You should ask questions if you don’t know what to do. On the other hand, you should not have to be taught the same thing over and over again.”
It’s important to ask questions-its the only way you learn. But when you as a question, take the time to really listen to the answer. It shows respect and that you are trying to learn. When you don’t listen and ask again later, it wastes time. It makes it look like you don’t really care, so communication and efficiency suffer.
I know I do this sometimes. I will ask a question, and 2 minutes later I can’t remember what the person said. I am working on it, and as I become a better listener, I will become a better communicator.
Michelle Bregozzo said this on March 15, 2007 at 3:21 pm
This is a great blog Mr. Green the line that I have grown to understand while pledging for Alpha Kappa Psi is #5.
“I will make mistakes. Please give me the same understanding that you’d like me to give you when you blunder”.
The reason this one is really important is because Mr. Valenzuela made me understand that Alpha Kappa Psi is a comfort zone in which mistakes that are made don’t have the same consequences as in the real world. Of what he said what really hit was that every active member of Alpha Kappa Psi has been in my shoe’s. In this way you have given us the same understand that you received while pledging and for that I thank you all.
Ms. Milli Garcia said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:06 pm
I agree with #6 the most; If I do something dumb or am on the verge of doing so, please tell me. Don’t hint. Tell me. Like Mr. Golangco, Mr. Simmons, and Ms. Crystal all said it is not always easy to take critisisms but it is the only way to grow. You can’t always assume that what you are hinting is getting across to the other person. If you know something is wrong you have to speak up or else it will stay that way. Even though critisism is hard to take I appreciate it when people correct me. I know that other people are only trying to help me improve and so I try not to take the critisism negatively. Everybody needs to be open to critisism and also speak up, because people aren’t going to know something is wrong unless you are straight-forward with your communication.
Steffany Hamilton said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:07 pm
I enjoy this article in that it addresses a very important aspect of life that I find alot of people (myself included) tend to forget. Supervisors, managers, and others of upper management in any situation are also people. Many people tend to forget this and assume that the persona that they receive from the supervisors is how they act outside of the workplace as well and that they are not allowed to make mistakes.
#4
Mr. Alban Ng said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:16 pm
I was amazed of how pointed and true all these statements are. It is rare to ever see such a concise, real-life version of communication 101.
Number six and seven both deal with the issue of assumption. We need to always make sure that we are on the same page with the people we work with, so leaving things unsaid can cause a lot of unwelcome “surprises”. As Mr Gerlach pointed out “Assumption is the mother of all communication mistakes”. I suppose one need to never hesitate to communicate when he/she has some doubts, suggestions or news that are relevant in any way to the job.
Mr Petar Kralev said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:18 pm
I feel that all of Alpha Tau can relate to number 10 regarding avoiding unecessary problems in order to increase efficiency. This is exremely important when trying to get presentations done early enough to have time to work on execution rather than new material.
I also agree with Ms. Carleton’s choice of number 8 regarding taking initiative. It is important to stand out and state your ideas rather than sit back and delegate everything to those around you.
Mr. Pat Ratka said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:26 pm
This blog is perfect for the Alpha Tau Pledge Class because we were having trouble communicating in the beginning, but in the last couple of weeks we have come together and improved our communication immensely. I think the active body has witnessed our improvenment in our last presentation and we will continue to improve and learn.
Number five was something I can relate to because sometimes I get frustrated with people when they make mistakes, but I try to take a step back and think about the way that I would like to be approached if it were me who made the mistake.
The comment that Mr. Golangco made about “not being afraid to make mistakes” has helped our pledge class becuase we feel that it is ok to make mistakes as long as we learn from them and don’t make the same mistakes twice. We are encouraged to make new mistakes and learn from them.
Ms. Rena Farah said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Unfortunately, I do not have much experience working in an office setting, but communication is important in other places, such as relationships and families and friends. Communication is unbelievably important to me since 99% of the people I love are on the other side of the country. It is not easy, but it is neccesary to relationships to survive. Humans are social creatures. We have evolved from cavemen to converse with each other using words, so let’s keep it that way. I have also realized that communication comes in another form: body language. This form, I feel is just as important as verbal communication, so I am constantly reminding myself of this everytime I cross my arms. I agree with Mr. Golangco and his description of #9, I feel it ties well together with #5 also, and though making the same mistake only once would be wonderful, human beings DO make the same mistake twice, and having an understanding of this is just as important as not making the same mistake twice.
Ms. Ali Hughes said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:32 pm
I especially like the point that Mr. Gerlach made regarding assumptions. I have always found that assumptions lead to inconvenience and inefficiency.
Personally I found #3 to be interesting…
3. I may not have been given a huge amount of training before being named to a supervisory position. As a result, I’ve had to learn through trial and error. That’s not always bad. Many of my responsibilities can only be learned through practice.
I myself am new to my position and I am constantly learning more about myself and those around me. My opportunity as President of the Alpha Tau Pledge Class is continually beneficial to me. I am constantly learning more and growing.
Domenic Di Tomaso said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:38 pm
I am a very straigh forward person and I like to communicate directly with people, so if and when I make mistakes I want people to tell me directly. I agree strongly with Ms. Hamilton when she states that assuming what one’s communication entails can only lead to bigger problems rather than facing someone directly. This article was very helpful in opening my eyes to new ways to commuicate with those around me, especially in work and school environments.
Ms. Ashley Arata said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:42 pm
In my experiences with working with other groups and people, #6 really struck a chord with me.
“If I do something dumb or am on the verge of doing so, please tell me. Don’t hint. Tell me. ”
I have dealt with many people in the past who prefer avoiding confrontations because they do not want to hurt the other party’s feelings. I am very glad that my pledge brothers in Alpha Tau Pledge Class are nothing like that. We are very direct to each other and know not to take offense to criticism but use that criticism constructively. That is the key to being efficient. The quickest way to settle any sort of conflict is to be straight foward and direct.
I agree with Mr. Gerlach’s comment “Assumptions is the mother of all communication mistakes.” Making assumptions when working together will be the group’s downfall. It leaves holes in the communication system and endless misunderstandings, yet assumption seems to be the easiest path to take at times. Although it is easy in the beginning, recovering from the catastrophes and mistakes that results in miscommunication take more work and time than clearly communicating a message to others.
Ms. Leslie Truong said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Because there is so much to communication its impossible to pin point the single most important aspect, that is why these blogs and articles are so critical to include in your weekly readings. Staying informed and alert to potential communication errors is as important as knowing the latest production numbers or quarterly goals.
I thought Mr. Green was really onto something when he wrote of “the big picture.” This is the ultimate goal, not the everyday communications in this list. On the other hand you can not reach the big picture without successfully completing the steps leading up to it. Just as a picture is not painted with one brush stroke or a book with one chapter, it takes many small steps -done right- to accomplish the overall objective.
I can relate most to point number four, I have been in situations where I was choosen from my peers to lead, and it truly is “…one of the toughest jobs any supervisor faces.”
Mr. Kevin M. Donnelly said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:54 pm
I think that #12 has great relevance in any organization, it’s important not only to receive feedback from your superiors, but also your fellow teammates; they are the ones who interract with you most and may have valuable information regarding your day to day operations. It is very important to speak to each other while being accepting and having an open mind.
Ms. Cancio said it perfectly with “communication is a VITAL tool to have the most cohesive environment possible.” Any organization could never function properly without effective communication on all levels.
Mr. Frank Dallezotte said this on March 15, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I agree with Mr. Golangco on #6
“6. If I do something dumb or am on the verge of doing so, please tell me. Don’t hint. Tell me.”
Not only through pledging but also from other experiences in life, I’ve learned that there is a huge difference in being addressed personally and professionally or on a business means. When it comes down to business and performance you really can’t take anything personal, if you do you won’t survive in a business environment. Instead take the criticism for what it is and use it to improve on whatever you are slipping on.
I also like the quote that Ms. Seidel had brought up, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” This can be related to assumptions. It is a lot easier to assume that communication has been made then to take the initiative and make sure it has been done.
And like Mr. Gerlach said, “Assumption is the mother of all communication mistakes.”
Mr. Robert Miniard said this on March 15, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I also liked how the letter was written to the employees from the boss. I think humility is amongst the best characteristics of a good leader.
Mr. Robert Miniard said this on March 15, 2007 at 5:09 pm
I think there are two really important points that relate to our pledge class.
The first one is about making mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable and should occur because I feel it is the best way to learn.
The second one that I found important is #9, regarding questions. I cannot get out of my head how many times our pledge class has been told over and over again to always ask questions. It is also important, however, to never ask the same question twice because it would be wasting someone else’s time.
I could not agree with Mr. Gerlach any more about assumptions. If there was no communication, the only thing left to do is assume and it is not the best way of doing things. We need to help each other out and keep each other updated!!!
Ms. Rachel Quan said this on March 15, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I personally like quote #5 the most.
#5- “I will make mistakes. Please give me the same understanding that you’d like me to give you when you blunder.”
I believe that this pledging process is a good opportunity for me to make mistakes and learn from them. I agree with Mr. Vince Golangco because it is important that people learn from mistakes and return stronger. The problem is not making mistakes but what you tell yourself when you make one. Mistakes are inevitable. I believe that being human, I will mistakes and other people, also being human, will make mistakes as well.
This quote relates to quote #3 as well.
#3- “I may not have been given a huge amount of training before being named to a supervisory position. As a result, I’ve had to learn through trial and error. That’s not always bad. Many of my responsibilities can only be learned through practice.”
Ms. Ashley Ernsberger made a good point about how people tend to think that the “leaders” “should do no wrong,” when in reality, they are learning too. Learning is an everlasting process. I am still learning each and every day not only at school, during the pledging process, home, but also through experiences and my peers as well.
Ms. Vi Nguyen said this on March 15, 2007 at 5:12 pm
I really like how straight forward the article is. I agree with Mr. Golangco in that communication is one of the basic building blocks for success or failure. I believe that communication is important so that we do not have to assume what one another is thinking. This relates to number 12. If either of us has a problem with the other’s performance, let’s talk about it. I believe that it is important to tell each other if you have a problem. This way, problems are addressed and can hopefully be resolved. Communication is the key to efficiency.
Christine Swift said this on March 15, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Many of the points made I can see related to what our pledge class is working on right now. An example being #8, taking initative, we have project managers but everyone needs to take part in our presentations and doing all the work. #9 asking questions is important because there are 80 plus people that have already gone through the same thing we have and could help us if we as the right questions.
Mr. Simmons made a point about dropping hints rather than acctually communicating and confronting that person. And that dropping hints is an example of bad communication. I honestly see this in myself. Which is why it is one of my weaknesses, confronting people.
Lora Honda said this on March 15, 2007 at 5:34 pm
With all of my previous employers I felt as if they could do no wrong. I had the same mindset as Ms. Anna Coburn that my bosses were not really people, so I could never relate to them.
I like the 5th quote:
5. I will make mistakes. Please give me the same understanding that you’d like me to give you when you blunder.
We all make mistakes, but the people in charge have to take a great deal of blame when something goes wrong. Actually, when I mess up I only have to hear about it from my boss. If my boss messes up, they have to hear about it from upper management as well as all of the complaints from employees.
We just need to walk in someone else’s shoes once and a while.
Ms. Sabrina Waller said this on March 15, 2007 at 5:40 pm
I found this blog very interesting and informative. I know that communication has been an issue between our pledge class, myself included, and I think that we can really benefit from these tips while understanding each other as well as initiation. I really like what my “big” Ms. Ashley Ernsberger said. As pledges we haven’t been perfect in this process, but by using proper communication and having a genuine understanding of each other things will run much smoother.
Ms. Stephanie said this on March 15, 2007 at 5:44 pm
I also think that the quote left by Ms. Robyn Seidel expresses the idea of the entire article perfectly. Both parties must be sure that the communication was clear and straight to the point in order to maintain any relationship, personal or professional.
Ms. Ashley Arata said this on March 15, 2007 at 6:51 pm
I really liked number six:
“If I do something dumb or am on the verge of doing so, please tell me. Don’t hint. Tell me.”
If I am going to do something (whether it be work or school oriented) I want to do it right. I’d rather have someone bluntly correct my mistakes and help get me on the right track than give me hints and hope that I pick up on what I am going wrong.
I also agree with what Ms. Bregozzo had to say about the importance of asking questions. I find that I learn best by trying/doing something and then asking as many questions as I need to. Questions are very helpful.
Ms. Danielle Barnett said this on March 16, 2007 at 1:03 am
An organization constructed almost entirely of fellow peers, I believe number four strikes a chord with all of us:
4. If you are a former co-worker of mine, please recognize that supervising former peers is one of the toughest jobs any supervisor faces. The support that you give me is crucial.
As Mr. Golangco states, “communication is one of the basic building blocks that can lead to either success or failure of any organization or team.” The success of an organization rests on clear communication. At times the most difficult people to communicate effectively with are those we have communicated with on a more personal level. The constant concern of stepping on toes or being to straight forward causing harm to a peer’s/friend’s feelings has a tendancy of distorting communication. Keep your personal life separate from your professional life. Its a simple solution to a problem faced daily among peers. When you step into an office of peers/professionals, check your feelings at the door.
Don’t take things personal… its business.
Mr. Samuel Sandoval said this on March 16, 2007 at 8:25 am
I think that in communication both parties need to be in the same page.
Mr. Robin Gerlach makes a good point with his statement “Assumption is the mother of all communication mistakes”.
I think we always need to ask for details, never take things for granted.
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Mr. Carlos Aquino
Mr. Carlos Aquino said this on March 16, 2007 at 9:12 am
I agree with Mr. Gerlach that assumption is a big mistake, but sometimes I believe it is necessary to assume or use your best judgement in situations were communication is impossible.
Mr.Christopher Alexander Bollinger
Alpha Tau
Mr. Christopher Alexander Bollinger said this on March 16, 2007 at 11:41 am
I definitely agreed with #4…
“If you are a former co-worker of mine, please recognize that supervising former peers is one of the toughest jobs any supervisor faces. The support that you give me is crucial.”
This is something that I have been trying to work on and have realized that there is a fine line when to be personal and professional. I agree with Mr. Sandoval that you should keep your personal life separate from your professional life, but I also think the most important thing is to know when they can coexist. To be personal with those you work with can make your business stronger, but it is not good if it starts affecting your work.
Ms. Allison Quincer said this on March 16, 2007 at 1:10 pm
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