Communication Communication is two-way: top-down and bottom-up. It can also be external: the PR (public relations) function handles this.
Inside an organization, informal communication happens all the time: everyone enjoys discussing 'office politics' at the water cooler and picking up information 'on the grapevine' (= passed from one person to another in conversation). Formal communication is through the medium of meetings, presentations, reports, etc, and these are covered in the second half of this book. But two other key communication skills are not possible to practise in a book:
'Active listening'. This means listening with full attention, not interrupting except to ask for clarification, and giving consideration to the other person's point of view.
'Assertiveness'. This means stating your needs and opinions confidently and clearly, without on the one hand being indirect or 'suffering in silence', or on the other being aggressive and rude.
Teamwork A team (or 'taskforce' or 'working party') needs a variety of personality types to perform well:
'Head' people who are good at thinking and problem-solving.
'Hands' people who are good at doing and acting.
'Heart' people who are good at networking and resolving conflicts.
Once a team has been set up, it usually goes through the five stages of development identified by Bruce Tuckman:
Forming. People get to know each other.
Storming. This refers both to 'brainstorming' as ideas get suggested for the first time, and also to conflicts that arise as team members clarify their roles and expectations.
Norming. Members sort out a way of working together and begin to 'own' and share the team objectives.
Performing. Members focus on solving problems and doing tasks. Progress can be seen as they pass various milestones (= events that mark an important stage in a process).
Adjourning. The job is finished, and there is often a public recognition and celebration of achievements.