Claire, thank you for your post. What you are saying is that having a meeting with the group in charge of communication to better understand the process is an important step. Do I have that right? I think that's a great idea. You can certainly understand the specifics by having the conversation with the group in charge.
Dr. Jean Norris
By sitting with the department head or individual and discussing the topic of cummunitation in order to complete the process at hand
To address your question, I would plan for any
questions in advance. If I thought I might be ambiguous, I would plan ahead and make the conversation easier to follow.
Sally,
Great insight. It is always helpful to ensure a consistent message has been communicated across departments. How might you go about ensuring that consistency in your communication?
Dr. Jean Norris
Everyone should be on the same page in all departments in order to avoid any errors in understanding.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Sharon. It sounds like your opportunity to communicate with other departments occurs on a limited basis, do I have that right? I get the sense that you try to ensure that you clearly communicate important details in your communications. What ideas do you have to increase the interdepartmental communication?
Shannon Gormley
Im not sure. We dont have a lot of interdepartmental communication but concise emails with all details of pertinent information.
Sharon,
Great approaches to start improving communications. What specifically will you include in your email messages to enhance interdepartmental communications?
Shannon Gormley
Utilizing email and making sure that every department involved is included in the communications.
Excellent insights, Ashley. It sounds like you work to recognize the various goals of other departments and how you might be able to accomplish your overall goal together. Congratulations and keep it up!
Shannon Gormley
Learning to focus on understanding the objectives of the other departments will help communication overall, as each department will better understand the goals of the others.
I would say the best way you could improve communication controlled by another department would be to have each member of every department receive this type of training and from there have the Director's of each department meet to discuss the best way to implement the necessary changes and hold everyone accountable.
Amy, thank you for sharing. It is importnat to continue to build value with your co-workers and so by acknowledging any challenges or stresses, you are showing respect and understanding. It also sounds like you are leading by example and showing others the behavior you would like them to model.
Shannon Gormley
I agree. I know every department has its own stresses and challenges. I try to acknowledge this. Letting my coworkers know that I understand what they are dealing with. If I listen and care , they tend to listen and care about my thoughts too. It takes all departments to make the school run smoothly. I know it is a win win situation to work together.
Excellent insight, Faye. I get the sense that you approach your students with an open mind and are sure to give them the respect that they deserve. I'm sure you're students appreciate your care and attention. Keep it up!
Have an open mind and be sure to listen to them and there thoughts when they are voicing their opinions on how to handle things. Make kind, yet confident suggestions and be sure not to offend them - even if you know deep down there ideas / opinions arent the best for reaching the ultimate goal. Making compromises sometimes can prevent frustration.
Understanding how other departments operate can be very helpful in improving communications. By taking the time to understand the processes and procedures that govern another department, you demonstrate your desire to eliminate assumptions and increase your effectiveness when communicating.
Excellent, David. Taking the time to make sure that the message being sent (whether by sender or receiver) is clearly understood is an excellent place to start. Keep it up!
I'm not quite sure what "communication that is controlled by another dept" means exactly, but I think it is essential for any receiver or sender for that matter to learn the communication patterns and intentions of co-workers or supervisors. Syneregy developed by interaction and experience reduces miscommunications and waste. Short answer....I would make it a priority to fully understand the communication traits/habits of the controlling department in order to respond appropiately.
Learning the laws of another department could improve communication because I can give a more complete and secure message to my department
