PowerPoint Presentation

Advocating a Case for Integrated Two Way Communication Scott BohlinMSOP 646

Problems with lacking CommunicationA company lacking in communication is destined to fail. This key element affects every aspect of business. In this presentation we will address the communication between regular hourly employees and upper management.In some positions employees are seen as simple cogs that fall into place and make the machine run but todays employee is much more complicated. Many things need be taken into account and the lack of communication has effects on the workforce such as:Psychological issues- Some leadership take it for granted that they communicate effectively, never realizing they fail at it miserably (Ref. 1). The effects that are psychologically loaded on employees can range from anxiety to anger to being lethargic about their work. Communication is the stimulus that gives the employee their drive in the workplace and without it something must fill the gap.Social issues- Human beings by nature are social creatures. When a person signs on to a job they are forming a relationship with that employment, their co-workers, and management. With relationships come expectations such as trust. When employers do not fulfill that expectation it is discouraging, causes distrust, and lack in focus, drive, and intent.Behavior issues- How do you act when you feel unwelcome? Or neglect? Imagine how your customers feel dealing with employees in that mindset. Negativity on the job translates to poor customer service and an all around poor product.

A company lacking in communication is destined to fail. This key element affects every aspect of business. Communication is a direct contributor for loss of revenue, production time, and retention when not properly utilized. In this presentation we will address the communication between regular hourly employees and upper management.In some positions employees are seen as simple cogs that fall into place and make the machine run but todays employee is much more complicated. Many things need be taken into account and the lack of communication has effects on the workforce such as:Psychological issues- Some leadership take it for granted that they communicate effectively, never realizing they fail at it miserably (Ref. 1). The effects that are psychologically loaded on employees who lack proper communication within the workplace can range from anxiety to anger to being lethargic about their work. Communication is the stimulus that gives the employee their drive in the workplace and without it something must fill the gap.Social issues- Human beings by nature are social creatures. When a person signs on to a job they are forming a relationship with that employment, that environment, their co-workers, their supervisors and management. With relationships come expectations such as trust. When employers do not fulfill that expectation it is discouraging, causes distrust, and lack in focus, drive, and intent.Behavior issues- How do you act when you feel unwelcome? Or neglect? Imagine how your customers feel dealing with employees in that mindset. Negativity on the job translates to poor customer service and an all around poor product.

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Problems with lacking CommunicationResource issue- Employees are a limitless source of talent and innovation that many times remain untapped by employers lacking the communication skills to tap these resources. Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble write The long-term health of an organizations has always depended, and will always depend, on innovation. Competitors relentlessly copy great products, creative services and best practices. The only way to avoid becoming old is continuously to create the new (Ref. 2). To put that into perspective ,if your creative ideas come from the 5% of people you listen to in your organization why are you wasting the other 95%?Without the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently a company can never achieve success. Alignment will fail as instructions cannot be followed, productivity suffers, and resources result in financial loss.Finally employee absenteeism will rise , job quality, and employee retention will fall because management fails to recognize worker contributions.

Resource issue- Employees are a limitless source of talent and innovation that many times, remain, untapped by employers who do not utilize the communication skills needed to tap these resources. Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble write The long-term health of organizations has always depended, and will always depend, on innovation. Competitors relentlessly copy great products, creative services and best practices. The only way to avoid becoming old is continuously to create the new (Ref. 2). To put that into perspective ,if your creative ideas come from the 5% of people you listen to in your organization why are you wasting the other 95%?No other issue has such importance or impact as how communication is utilized. Without the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently within the organization and at all levels a company can never achieve success. Alignment will fail as instructions cannot be followed, productivity will suffer, and resources result in financial loss.Finally employee absenteeism, job quality, and employee terminations will rise and employees look for more fulfilling employment as management fails to recognize worker contributions or take into account their input.

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Proposals of ChangeSo how do we change? We must view our employees differently, and learn to reward and incentivize their efforts. David Sturt and Todd Nordstrom write As managers and leaders its our job to drop the assumptions and change our tune about how we recognize and develop employees. If we do our job right, employees are not short-term fixtures, people primarily leave jobs for one simple reason. When employees were asked why they quit their job, 79% reported a lack of appreciation as the key reason for leaving (Ref. 3)So I propose the creation of the following programs and changes:First encouragement on the use of the informal communication Creating a Feedforward program in which supervisors use employee meeting times to listen rather than talk.Create an incentive and rewards programA management and employee mentor programFinally a Talent management program

Financials

I estimate the initial training cost to be reasonable and upkeep to be minimal. The following is an estimated breakdown:

On average cost room and daily per diem per person $300 Number of initial training persons chosen 12 (Management)Average cost of in-house workshop and training session $5,000 plus

SummaryThe issue we have covered here is the result of communication failure both in the implementation and the creation of appropriate environment.

The proposed remedy is to create a communication friendly environment utilizing both informal and formal methods while integrating methods of recognition for the employee.

Results more effective leadership, more motivated and productive employees, a company on the path to greatness.

In closing

References(Ref. 1) Valuable tips for effective communication in the workplace, LaSharnda Beckwith, Ph.D., Published: September 27, 2016(Ref. 2) Business is sent back to the classroom, Vijay Govindarajan, Chris Trimble, Financial Times [London (UK)] 08 Oct 2004: 1.(Ref. 3) Employee Engagement & Loyalty Statistics: The Ultimate Collection, Brandon Carter, 12 January 2017 (Weekly updated Business Blog)(Ref. 4) Employees Turn to "Informal Organization" , Williams, Kathy. Strategic Finance 89.3 (Sep 2007)