Communicate effectively for success

This post came out from The Straits Times (1 September 2012)
Title - Communicate effectively for success

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Open communication
2. Active listening
3. Discernment
4. Dialogue

On Open Communication

• Open communication means sharing information throughout the company, especially across functional and hierarchical levels. This runs counter to the traditional flow of selective information downwards from supervisors to subordinates. 
• People need a clear direction and an understanding of how they can contribute. Open communication is essential for building trust and it paves the way for more opportunities to communicate with followers, thus enabling the organisation to benefit from of the minds of all its employees.

On Active listening

• Listening well is an essential component of good leadership. A leader can become a more effective listener by learning the skills of active listening. Working relationships become more solid, based on trust, respect and honesty. 
• Active listening is not an optional component of leadership; it is not a nicety to be used to make others feel good. It is, in fact, a critical component of the tasks facing today's leaders. Leaders who are active listeners can discern undercurrents that need to be managed before a situation gets out of hand. 
• It is through listening and discernment, both with followers and customers, that leaders identify strategic issues and build productive relationships that help the organisation succeed. 

On Discernment

• Discernment involves detecting the unarticulated messages hidden below the surface of spoken interaction, complaints, behaviour and actions. A discerning leader pays attention to patterns and relationships underlying the organisation and those it serves. 

On Dialogue

• Dialogue is active sharing and listening in which people explore common ground and grow to understand each other and share a worldview. 
• There is a distinction between a dialogue and a discussion. A discussion explores opposition by individuals who advocate their positions and convince others to adopt those positions. 
• A dialogue requires that participants suspend their attachments to a particular point of view so that a deeper level of listening, synthesis and meaning can emerge. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big