Communication Protocols

“The belief is this: every person in the world wants voice and dignity, and every person deserves them. By ‘voice,’ I mean people want the opportunity to speak their minds and have their ideas, opinions, and feelings heard, regardless of their nationality, gender, age, or culture. By ‘dignity,’ I mean people inherently and instinctively want to be respected for their work and effort and individuality.”
Scripted from the blockbuster of the eighth Chairman and CEO of General Electric Company, Jack Welch’s Winning. Dignity, just like love, is conferred on a person through words and deeds. Leader wield influence through persuasion, motivation and more importantly, honour ~ communicating esteem to others through service and in return inspire them to act. It’s regrettably saddening how leaders could sometimes talk their subordinates down or how an ‘underling’ could have, through repeated failure to act or words or even actions, provoked a leader to speak unadvisedly.

A citation in Eugene Peterson’s contemporary rendering of the Holy Book is as apt as the synopsis for this discourse:

“Congenial conversation -- what a pleasure! The right word at the right time -- beautiful!”

Beyond the power of the words spoken, the manner in which the words are conveyed also matters a lot as you’d realise that communication appeals not only to hearing but also to sight and feeling. Every leader must be schooled in communication. It is an ongoing learning for a leader. Communication enhances the transference of passion. It is the platform for influence and impact.

Apparently, communication is a broad subject finding massive application in all walks of life. Hence, a limitation is posed on us to focus on a section of it. With the core objective of #LEAD360, empowering leaders for effectiveness, Communication Protocols aims to look at the nuances of communication ~ that manner to convey thoughts such that ‘that’ voice and dignity which every man seeks is accorded him. Let’s address the different flows of communication in an organisation and the different elements to cultivate in each scheme. {Pardon the phrases I’d chosen for this purpose as they do not have direct meanings with their literally interpretations.}

       1.    Talking Down

By Talking Down, I mean communication flow from the Head/Point Man/Project Coordinator to his/her subordinates. The foremost trait to display to your team players is Sincerity. Let your mouth and gesticulation really depict the act of the hour. Yes, diplomacy is required at certain times. However, you owe your team that reliability. It’s a gridlock working with dishonest leaders. Little wonder some African countries can measure little or no progress in their nation’s affairs. Many citizenries have since thrown the trust virtue in the ocean of forgetfulness. We have seen news titbits where politicians' trickeries insult our intelligence. Hence, there is an individual and a collective quest for leaders with integrity in all sphere of influence. Mean that compliment when you say it. State your vision with Clarity. Correction and Rebuke should be done in love, that is, for constructive purposes and not the reverse. Correct him who errs but do not know he goofed; rebuke the man who stumbles knowing the right thing to do but didn’t do it. Sometimes, it really could be difficult for some leaders to maintain positivism with a continual lack of performance from a junior leader or worker. In corporate circles, the minor gets fired after series of query! In NGOs, FBOs or Voluntary Organisations: some heads with a corporate sense of duty fires the guy too and some could help the guy straighten out his shortcoming. However, as the set-man, never forget that your guys always want to be reminded that you believe the best of them. Encouragement remains one of the best gifts you could ever offer your people. Leaders must also learn to receive feedback. It’s a form of communication. Listening to your subordinates too has attached benefits.

       2.    Talking Across

This refers to your communication with co-team leaders or colleagues in your organisation. Great team players seek to promote the co-existence of every man on the team. Let your words and actions communicate passion. Seek to point tiring players to the big picture of the organisation. If you notice a team player is struggling at a responsibility and an assignment, stylishly seek to help if you could. Be objective when giving out feedback. And yes, ensure you tighten every loose end on your path too. Avoid gossiping, rather encourage. Do not sow discord. Let your lips disperse knowledge and understanding at all times. Don’t hoard vital information; it profits no one. If you have a clue to who or what resource can help your colleague get the job done speedily and cost-effectively, proffer it. Celebrate others’ achievements.

       3.    Talking Up

When communicating with your superior, seek to clarify expectations. I have seen several instances where team players, when assigned new roles, just rush out to start acting. Granted, there are situations where you need to act almost immediately. It would do you some good to get clarity from his boss: Know the figure anticipated; the expected growth rate; what, when and how should you implement the task? ‘Inferiors’ should learn to listen to the heart rhythm of their leaders ~ learning to hear what is not said {a very crucial attribute every leader must possess}. Know this truth: your boss ain’t angry with you giving suggestions, he only has issues with how you present them. Don’t cross boundaries by proposing a vision to your leader. Rather submit opinions on how the present vision or goal can be achieved. Read moods. Then submit your opinions respectfully and loyally. As a member of the organisation’s staff committed to helping the firm save more money, earn more money, increase their market share and ultimately grow their brand;  divulge any information that could prevent the firm from achieving this target.

Trust your head to give you an honest feedback on your performance level in the organisation. There’s a part of you that other people see better than you can, receive such feedback openheartedly. When under pressure, endeavor to yet respond to your boss with the right tone. You will make mistakes but always keep your intentions right. The more reason you must feed on right thoughts.

Apparently, this piece has not focused on analysing Obama’s US Strategy to ‘destroy’ ISIS delivery nor has it try to dichotomize the different speeches of NATO representatives. However, daily operational procedures in an organisation would produce greater impact when these communication protocols are duly observed. In addition, the ‘voice’ and ‘dignity’ of every man on the team is maintained.

Raise the edge always! Take the LEAD!

Femi TIAMIYU

#LEAD360

PS: I wish to recommend The Pauline Prayers by Damilola Oguntunde, The Senior Pastor of Christ Ambassador Students’ Outreach (CASOR), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. The insights shared in this Masterpiece are so profound and would bless you tremendously. Call Mayode on 08035920525 for further enquiries.