Reading Application

Point # 1 - Effective Communication exists among group members when the receivers interpret sender’s message the same way the sender intended it.

SOURCE: Johnson & Johnson, Chapter 4, Page 133

Effective communication is defined as when the receivers interpret the sender’s message in the same way the sender intended it. (Johnson & Johnson 2009 p.133) Effective Communication occurs when an individual communicates information and the recipient(s) interpret the meanings of the statement in the manner it was intended. This can be a blessing when it occurs and when it does not it can be awful and the source of confusion. Some of the greatest accomplishments throughout time can be attributed to effective communication, along with attributing some catastrophic failures to poor communication.

When I first read about effective communication I thought of my title at work which is assistant to the director and what role effective communication plays in my job. Oftentimes staff will want me to communicate a message to the director on their behalf. This can happen in a variety of circumstances for instance when the person wanting face time with the director has waited on line to see her for a while and has needed to leave prior to seeing her. This is a part of my job that I find particularly challenging. The challenge is posed when I am trying to find the voice the staff member is trying to deliver the message in. I must be conscientious as to word the message in the manner they intended it and convey information as they had intended. For instance if I say to my boss “employee x needs you to sign this form as it was not available for signature before”. This statement has entirely different message than if I say “employee x forgot to have u sign this form.” Utilizing effective communication can prove challenging when a person is hurried. However if you take a few minutes and try to utilize it properly it will spare you confusion in the future.

Critical Question(s): How does...