Tuesday, April 3, 2012

A520.3.5.RB_FogartyShawn


My organizations structure is painted by leaders on a canvas of subordinates. The stroke of the brush is like communication and the interpersonal relationship is the paint. I’ve observed over my years Michelangelo’s 16th Chapel and 1st graders spatter. I’ve previously stated, “Communication is the key to our success.”  When communication breaks down or turns destructive that sanctity of the mission is compromised. It is essential to have leaders, engaged in subordinates with effective and supportive communication.
Over the next month I plan to integrate supportive communication techniques in my routine. I will include within my personal thinking time each day those who I’ve communicated, and how well I did at communicating supportively. Additionally, I will discuss with the junior officers I mentor routinely the eight attributes of supportive communication. I plan to make it into a game for the group of us to try to catch each other on the residual side of supportive communication. I think for them being able to sneak in a jab from time to time will keep them interested and engaged.
The biggest faux pas I see on a daily basis by leaders or I is not remaining congruent, focusing on problems and not the person, owning statements and supportive listening. I think the congruent aspect is mostly a product of good body language. All too often a lame duck task will come down and our body language expresses disinterest. In order to focus on problems not people, I plan to not judge people and ensure I have all the facts in order to define a problem. I think owning statements will be the easiest to amend and I can catch myself when not using “I.” Lastly, supportive listening will be applied depending on my role in the situation. I see myself in an advising role often but I want to start applying a reflective response to a communicator. I think this will broaden the communication as a whole.

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