While the top management invariably extols the need for trust, transparency, and integrity in communication, managers in the middle level are sometimes sceptical about its sanctity. Some of them are deficient in and indifferent to their responsibilities in this regard. They seem to lack the desire and willingness to share information with their peers and, more often, with their staff. Management is all about information and efficient communication; without communication, an organisation becomes a deadwood.

Persons appointed to key positions in management — especially in the middle order — must be selected with an eye on their ability to communicate with others. While there is often a need-based desire in the top management to create a frank and flexible organisation, their intention is not always translated into practice, thanks to the bureaucratic attitude of people down below. Consequently, the vision, strategy, and commitment of the top management is not reaching the employee at the coalface in the corporate.

In many of the old-world companies that still perpetuate the orthodox style of management, employees are seldom serious about the so-called vision statement and mission statement. They are inclined to disregard them as mere messages on a plain sheet of paper. They feel that it is one more gimmick in the toolkit of the management to hoodwink employees into the make-believe that the company has a democratic and egalitarian culture. The gulf between the rhetoric and the reality is a cause for deep despair and disillusionment to them.

On the contrary, the story is quite different in the more forward-looking companies. Managers welcome the opinions of their colleagues. They seek out employees with relevant experience and knowledge to discuss issues and problems with them. They obtain feedback and reactions from people who are better equipped to provide the answers. Status and position in the company are of no consequence in that context.

One of the most potent and powerful channels of communication is the role model behaviour and conduct of senior management personnel — how far they walk the talk.

Are their actions congruent to their professed and ably-crafted slogans and publicity stunts? Employees are not naïve, but they are astute and perceptive. The lack of sincerity and commitment will be exposed fast and foremost.

More Stories on : Management | Insight

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page