Importance of Effective Communication
Effective
Communication is very important for the sustenance of any society. All of us
are interdependent on each other and need to interact both physically and electronically.
Any misunderstanding and lack of proper communication can result in disasters
as in the case of mid-air plane crash of a Saudi Aircraft and Kazakh Aircraft
on 12 November 1996. Investigations revealed
that the pilots of Soviet Union had difficulty in understanding the English of
air traffic controller. Also, in many
cases mistakes are made due to preset notions about units being used for e.g.
miles, foots or metric units.
In my context, being an Engineer I need to have the skills of
explaining technical things involving designs in a lucid manner to non technical
people like those in the management sector. Also, most of the projects these
days are done in groups and hence communication among the group mates is very
essential for the success of the project. Furthermore, communicating with
others makes my thoughts clearer and could also lead to new ideas. John Thomas (2009), an engineering manager at
Google explains that free lunch system was
introduced in order to encourage communication among the employees at
Google during their lunch. This consequently had the potential to develop ideas
into mega projects.
The lack of proper communication skills will deprive us of various opportunities despite having the talent. In order to avoid this situation, I must work hard to improve my communication skills with the guidance of the lecturer and peers. Through various activities such as peer teaching, application letter writing, oral presentations designed in the module, I strongly believe that I will be able to master communication skills and will be ready to face the corporate world.
Reference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggjwmzcihK8(at 33.13 min)
Hi,it is really impressive that you used several examples to illustrate your points as well as to inspire others like me. It is terrible and sad when we know the air crash was somehow due to the poor communication. Because it is something that could be prevented.I did not know this tragedy before and now it is really a shock to me after watching the video you post on.I really hope everyone especially those on the significant positions to pay attention on this so we will see less sad events.
ReplyDeleteI also heard the "free lunch" before and it is really a good and brilliant way to inspire people's creativity for eating is always a happy thing and thus people can relax themselves among the members,which will strengthen the relation as well as come up with good ideas. I think the system in U-town today is similar to this.Although it is not free, it indeed make people communicate more with peers.I think it is quite good.
Hey.
ReplyDeleteI really like all those videos. They are awesome. It is my first time to be told that communication skills are important- I meant so important- for a company like Google. I think for most of us, I meant Yangmo, you, me and everyone in SOC, have dreamed about being a part of Google. This video really impresses me a lot. Thanks.
For the air-crash accident, I think this kind of mistakes happened often. However a “small” accident on this scale is extremely shocking. It also reminds me that whenever I did something, I have to look out for small flaws.
Brilliant ideas come from communications. I like this phrase. I think I am keener to talk to others now. Thanks again for your Google video.
Your examples are all interesting and relevant. Perhaps you could explain what you mean by this,"The lack of proper communication skills will deprive us of various opportunities despite having the talent" with a concrete example and preferably in a workplace context.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the comments.
DeleteWhile working in the work place we might have many ideas in our mind, but not expressing them to others is of no use for both the organisation and ourselves. When we give ideas, our true potential is revealed and our importance will be recognised in the workplace. On implementation of our ideas by means of effective communication, we get satisfaction and pleasure.
Also, just as Jack Walshe, Programming Manager at Apple points(third video reference in the above blog) out that promotions are given to employees who show that they are good workers, intelligent to their boss and not to those who do not express themselves despite being good workers, talented and intelligent. He clearly explains that employers will not be behind an employee to give him a promotion.
So we should not give a chance that our talent and performance goes unnoticed due to poor communication.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteGood examples Dinesh! They are very relevant to your stream of study, and its great to see that you have thought about these while blogging.
I do feel that the lack of effective communication, especially at workplaces and universities are robbing us of discoveries and inventions that could make our life easier. Having taken this course it is our responsibility to improve that. Best of luck in your quest to become an effective communicator!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteGreat examples Dinesh. I liked the way you tried to bring out the importance of effective communication through examples that most of us could relate and the videos were also very interesting. It is so sad to hear of the air-crash especially when it is due to a reason that could have been avoided. It also shows how, even small things do matter in our life. Yes, no doubt communication is important, but after your post I realized how important it is even in leading to great inventions and discoveries.