As a new parent, I could not wait for my son to say
his word first. As an adult, some days I
do not want to hear his next. Though as I joke, we know that maintaining open
lines of communication with not only children, but coworkers, customers, and
members of the community, is an important piece of furthering the Community
Action mission.
My friend Merriam
defines communication as a process by which information is
exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or
behavior. I frequently hear leaders say, “We communicate all the time.”
However, I also hear their peers say, “No one ever tells us anything.” Communication must be delivered and received
which may require multiple methods and approaches. A six-page newsletter delivered twice a year
may not be as effective as a one-page memo emailed once each month. Depending
on what your audience needs and wants to receive, and the multiple audiences
seeking a variety of information, tactics may need to vary. Listening to their
spoken or unspoken feedback will help you determine the content and the best
ways to deliver it.
Email, Facebook, blogs, or even inserts with
paystubs (yes—most staff still look at their paychecks even with direct
deposit) are excellent methods to communicate to staff and other publics where
appropriate. Your board of directors may request a written report though a
verbal summary of the report may help to go along with it. Other nonverbal communication
is also just as important when building and maintaining relationships with
staff, board, customers, or the community. Sharing smiles, a handshake, or even
brief encouraging remarks are just as important as inviting someone to the next
strategic planning meeting.
Take the time to walk out of your office and
communicate—most importantly, listen. After all, Merriam says it is an
exchange, a give and take; communication is interactive. And when done
effectively, your audience, like a new mom, will look forward to that next
exchange.
_____________________________________________________________
Julia
Wise is the executive director of Highland County Community Action Organization
(HCCAO). She has a master’s degree in Organizational Management and over twenty-five
years of experience in Community Action. Julia also serves as an Internal
Consultant with OACAA and Ohio Community Action Training Organization. Her
specialized trainings include Bridges Out of Poverty, board training, customer
services, Head Start Policy Council, Results Oriented Management and
Accountability (ROMA) and strategic planning.