Because I have coordinated this event for several years, I have gathered a staff of some of the finest people that I have worked with in the industry. Many of the staff are repeats from year to year and know their jobs well. It is reassuring having them back year after year and knowing that they are going to do a great job in their area of expertise.
I don't have to tell them what to do in their particular responsibility because they already know what needs to be done. They size up the situation and go to work making their area of responsibility run smoothly throughout the convention. I trust them completely.
I don't know that much about security issues but I want it to be secure. I don't know very much about staffing issues but I want the convention to be adequately staffed. I don't have expertise in the area of music or information but I want that area to go well. I don't have to know all these areas but I have to communicate what I want to see as an end product.
What does this take in order for this to be accomplished? The Art of Communication! Yes, it is an art and it is an art that needs continual practice!
None of us have the time or the mental capacity to know everything about every area of concern in whatever field of work that we are currently in. It is just impossible to do this. Sometimes when we try to take all of this to ourselves we end up short-circuiting the entire operation because we aren't willing to trust and have the respect for those who have a better perspective about an area of our work than we do. What is our response to this?
Our response to this concern largely determines the success of our work in our field of endeavor.
Many people think that they communicate their concerns and opinions to others when in fact they are just talking. Communicating is so much more than just talking. The definition of communication is the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, etc. So proper communication skills includes listening as well as speaking! We listen to each other and ask questions to make sure that we have understood each other.
When we hire people to work with us we should hire people that we respect and trust. Respect is a component of good communication skills. Respect is what keeps the channels of communication open when relationships run into roadblocks! We need to develop respect for each other so that effective communication can flourish in our relationships. What does that take?
I was pleased to read Mike McKinney's blog this week because he has identified some obstacles that can get in the way of respect and good communication.
Mike is quoting from a book by Air Force fighter pilot Rob "Waldo" Waldman, entitled "Never Fly Solo". Let me give you a quote from it:
Waldo says, “There is a limit to how much you can learn on your own. A good wingman will give you mission-critical feedback, catch your errors, ask questions, and propose challenging scenarios to push you to grow in your skills and mental discipline.” Encouraging others to look out for our blind spots requires a great deal of mutual trust. “These trusted partners, male or female, are your wingmen.”
Are we building the mutual trust and respect that we need for effective communication? Mr. Waldman states that we must build it in ourselves first in order for it to take place in our sphere of influence. Whether it is your family, friendships or at work, build these components of good communication into your skill set so that your relationships will have effective communication.
Will Marré weighs in on the Tiger Woods situation and gives a balanced overview of how we should look at people in the public's eye.
Steve Wiley in The Scientist.com writes that there are communication problems in the scientific circles as well. Here's a quote:
"Open and honest debate has always been necessary for the best science, but mutual respect between the participants is necessary to make it work."
There's that aspect of respect again. It looks as though respect is essential in all areas of our endeavors in order to properly communicate and succeed.
Finally, communication is critical in cases of depression and potential suicide in teenagers. Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg states this:
“They might act angry. But what you’re communicating is: ‘I really listened, I heard you. I’m going to see that you get help, I’m going to take the action you deserve.’ ”
We all need to listen and ask questions and not be afraid to stand up and make sure those around have access to the help and encouragement that they need. It is through this type of respect and trust that effective communication flourishes.
Until next time,
Jerry de Gier
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