Communicating
Of all of the functions necessary to organise and work together, communication is probably the most important, yet it often seems the least valued. Organisations struggle to define, prioritise and justify its role - until things go pear-shaped and then ‘poor’ communication is blamed and shamed as the cause of it all.
Maybe it’s because it seems such a basic human activity that it is narrowly defined and taken for granted, but communication is a highly complex process and the vital energy that brings every living system to life. Without it, there is no system, just a series of unconnected parts.
Communication is the means whereby culture is produced and reproduced, as the story of who we are and what we are trying to become is told over and over in a thousand different ways, keeping the dominant ‘story’ and values firmly in place.
In human systems communication is the architect of relationship. It is the currency of our connectedness and influences everything we do. Especially in the workplace where we must get on well together, communication creates the context for everything and determines the nature and quality of our experience. Critically, open communication is a foundation for trust.
So, far from being something we do now and then - like turning a tap on and off - communication is a constant dynamic we’re all part of, all of the time. Whatever we need to achieve, whatever the circumstances, communication is always the nub of the matter, and all the evidence tells us that the manner in which this intangible, invisible, incredibly inconsistent dimension of organisational life is handled, is what separates the best from the rest.
Given it’s central role in everything we do and everything we are, what possible reason could there be for not putting it at the top of every agenda, every time?
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"“The initiative made a real difference to the company and the experience of employees. It was as if everyone became re-connected with each other and with the goals of the company - even the most skeptical of senior executives acknowledged the tremendous achievements."
"Overall our communication has increased enormously. We now meet regularly and make time for informal ways of learning from each other and exchanging ideas."
"I learned that we need to find ways of speaking openly to each other, strategies for better communication and ways of engaging people at a deeper level so that their insights can have a chance to be heard and engaged with."
"The process worked and was very well facilitated, and very educating. It took a lot of courage, openness and honesty from the whole group, and our overall relationships are much stronger as a result."