Business Communication & Ethics, Week3 - 4/22/12
Jack Welch MBA Program
Several times in my career I have felt how communication gaps can undermine the effectiveness of the an entire organization. I understand that the ability to communicate effectively can make or break an organization. Until I took this class I did not fully appreciate the nuances that go into the approaches to great communication.
From the learning this week I have gained an improved framework for effective communication.
(1) Think before you write
******************************
What is the communication objective - what is the desired outcome?
(2) Pick the right Communication Strategy with attention to the following 13 dimensions
**************************************************************************************************
(a) Audience awareness: Know the audience; tailor the approach to achieve desired outcome quickly
(b) DiSC analysis: Think about your style and the styles of the recipients; tailor the communication approach
(c) Channels: Group presentation or one on one ? email, in person or both ?
(d) Retain Humanity: Keep the human connection. Is an email even necessary ?
(e) Persuasion : depending on situation leverage 6 principles of persuasion (Cialdini, HBR Pg 72-79, 2001)
(f) Style: pick the tone carefully to avoid misunderstanding and side effects eg sensitive vs forceful
(g) Content: For email notes, assume recipients will skim - choose the first words carefully for impact.
(h) Request Action: Request action up front; if situation is sensitive revealing request at the end may be wise
(i) Length: Keep it short to one page, organize into sections for readability; reduce words
(j) Structure: use subject line, colors, highlights suitably
(k) Clarity check: check grammar, spellings, rules of road
(l) Cultural sensitivity check: ensure recipients will not get offended
(m) Visualize: Where possible, help readers visualize the message in a compelling way
(3) Design improved approaches
**************************************
In complex situations, the first attempt may not give the desired outcome
Assess effectiveness, learn quickly and iterate
(4) Application of principles - What I will do differently going forward
*****************************************************************************
I will not churn out mindless emails, paying scant attention to the communication nuances, anymore.
I will raise the bar on effective communication by using my communication strategy checklist as shown above.
the transformation continues
Dr DP
Several times in my career I have felt how communication gaps can undermine the effectiveness of the an entire organization. I understand that the ability to communicate effectively can make or break an organization. Until I took this class I did not fully appreciate the nuances that go into the approaches to great communication.
From the learning this week I have gained an improved framework for effective communication.
(1) Think before you write
******************************
What is the communication objective - what is the desired outcome?
(2) Pick the right Communication Strategy with attention to the following 13 dimensions
**************************************************************************************************
(a) Audience awareness: Know the audience; tailor the approach to achieve desired outcome quickly
(b) DiSC analysis: Think about your style and the styles of the recipients; tailor the communication approach
(c) Channels: Group presentation or one on one ? email, in person or both ?
(d) Retain Humanity: Keep the human connection. Is an email even necessary ?
(e) Persuasion : depending on situation leverage 6 principles of persuasion (Cialdini, HBR Pg 72-79, 2001)
(f) Style: pick the tone carefully to avoid misunderstanding and side effects eg sensitive vs forceful
(g) Content: For email notes, assume recipients will skim - choose the first words carefully for impact.
(h) Request Action: Request action up front; if situation is sensitive revealing request at the end may be wise
(i) Length: Keep it short to one page, organize into sections for readability; reduce words
(j) Structure: use subject line, colors, highlights suitably
(k) Clarity check: check grammar, spellings, rules of road
(l) Cultural sensitivity check: ensure recipients will not get offended
(m) Visualize: Where possible, help readers visualize the message in a compelling way
(3) Design improved approaches
**************************************
In complex situations, the first attempt may not give the desired outcome
Assess effectiveness, learn quickly and iterate
(4) Application of principles - What I will do differently going forward
*****************************************************************************
I will not churn out mindless emails, paying scant attention to the communication nuances, anymore.
I will raise the bar on effective communication by using my communication strategy checklist as shown above.
the transformation continues
Dr DP
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