Check out our summary of various communication flows to consider.
Communication is essential for any team and organization to function successfully as well as a critical piece for achieving internal and external success.
To power our business potential, we have summarized communication flows to consider when working on your next project. Consider structuring or restructuring the communication flow within our organization to help achieve your goals faster and more effectively.
First you need to analyze your message and who needs to receive it. Is it downward to a subordinate or upward to a senior? Once you know this, you can evaluate which channel of communication would be the most effective.
As you think of a communication pain point you are looking to fix or as you plan for your next project that will require several stakeholders, ask yourself the following questions:
Where/How is the communication right now?
What are the Pros and cons?
What do you want communication to help you or your team accomplish?
What do you want to accomplish with new communication practices?
When would you like to reach your goal?
Understanding the direction of communication within your organization.
Downward to a subordinate
“This is based on the assumption that the people working at higher levels have the authority to communicate to the people working at lower levels. This direction of communication strengthens the authoritarian structure of the organization.”*
Upward to a Senior
“The function of upward communication is to send information, suggestions, complaints and grievances of the lower level workers to the managers above. It is, therefore, more participative in nature. It was not encouraged in the past, but modern managers encourage upward communication. This is a direct result of increasing democratization.”*
Laterally to a coworker
“To maintain coordination and review activities assigned to various subordinates can be seen taking place between persons operating at the same level or working under the same executive.”*
Diagonally to a different department
“Diagonal or crosswise communication takes place when people working at the same level interact with those working at different levels of organizational hierarchy and cross the boundaries of their reporting relationships.”*
Provide Different Channels Of Communication
Face-To-Face Meeting
Although we’re in a pandemic, social distancing is possible! A face-to-face meeting is one of the best ways of communicating as this reduces the odds of misinterpreting messages. When you’re able to show facial expressions, body language, and other nonverbal cues it makes communication easier.
Web-Based Communication
This can include communicating through email, social platforms (i.e. LinkedIn), or video calls. Email will never go out of style and is a platform generally used in a professional setting to communicate with potential employees or clients. LinkedIn is the networking hub for professionals at every level, using its private messaging is a great way to communicate. As COVID-19 has shown us, video calls can be used for video chatting with a friend or holding business meetings remotely.
Presentations
This is a great way to communicate with your team all at once — allowing you to communicate in detail. If you have a proposal or a project update, giving a presentation is a great way to communicate the important points with your colleagues.
Message Boards and Forums
From Slack to Google Hangouts, there are so many message boards to choose from to ensure your team can quickly and effectively communicate with one another. Message boards allow for clear and instant communication that can be done one-on-one or with a team. It can help your team see what’s completed or what’s left to finish.
Overall, there are more than one way to communicate and approach communication. Based on the message and the circumstance, which channel and flow of communication to leverage may be different and that is okay.
Having difficulty with the communication flow of your team?
Reach out to us at info@encounteryourpotential.com and let us help Power Your Business Potential via consulting or coaching services.
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