NO OBLIQUE-SPEAK: Part IV – Summary (So What?)

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

– Bernard Shaw

NOTE

What follows is the summary the essay on corporate communication. While the basic information has universal application, the focus of this series is on the communication concerns of  fast-paced, early stage, entrepreneurial and intrapreneuial ventures.

Position Statement

Business (life) means building and maintaining relationships.

So What?  So What?  I’ll tell you So What.  Wars are fought, relationship destroyed, opportunities are missed and lives are lost due to misunderstandings, confusion, unintentional insults, and perceived—and intended—mixed messages.  That’s So What…

• In business, oblique-speak (“BS,” “Blowing Smoke,” Wink-Wink-Nudge-Nudge”) is a manager’s downfall. Establish a relationship of trust and speak clearly leaving little or no room for misinterpretation. If unsure, have the person your addressing give their understanding of what you just told them. And, remember, lying by omission is deceit in its most cowardly form.

• Unless immediately informed to the contrary, every employee must come to work every day knowing they are Secure, Accepted as an on-going member of the team, and that they are Respected for their knowledge and contribution to the company mission. Once doubt occurs in any of these three default conditions, communication begins to shut down. An organization without a SAR culture invites a reduction in productivity, an increase in turnover, stress-related absences, heightened presenteeism, and reduced staff morale.

• Tune into the concern behind the question, stay away from hyperbole and don’t confuse connectivity with communication.

•  In business (and life) the preferred order of personal interaction is as follows: