FOUR PARADIGMS OF COMMUNICATION

Over the years, we have employed four core paradigms of effective communication, combining our own ideas with some insights of others. We believe that it is virtually impossible to communicate effectively without observing these fundamentals:

Concern for others

? Demonstrate kindness, understanding, and care for others.

? Deal honestly and directly with the issues, while showing concern and respect.

Sense of humility

? “Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.” —Ezra Taft Benson

? Humility is not about tearing yourself down but about building others up.

Service above self

? Give back better than you are given.

? “People who succeed in leadership and life do not go around settling scores. They do not even keep score. They ‘run up the score’ by doing good to others, even when others do not deserve it.” —Henry Cloud, from 9 Things a Leader Must Do

Success

? Successful communication is defined by others, not by self.

? Successful communication is dependent upon everyone else’s success. Both the sender and the receiver must understand the intent. You can say something repeatedly, but you have not communicated effectively unless the listener “gets it.”

You will note that nothing in those paradigms requires that you must be highly articulate to be a good communicator. Instead, the emphasis is on reaching out to others and listening intently so that they feel valued. You should be striving for positive communication that is free of manipulation and contention. That is how you encourage employees to participate in the crucial exchange of ideas. The more that others see that you are genuinely committed to listening and the more they observe you responding appropriately, the more committed they will be to advancing the organizational goals and initiatives.

The 10 Keys of Effective Supervision - Chapter 8: Sharing Continuously

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