Sending Messages

To be successful, every manager must develop the ability to send clear, unambiguous messages

Effective communication with those you are managing requires that you send clear and comprehensible messages that will be understood as you intend them to be. You can transmit messages more effectively by making them clearer and developing your credibility.

To be successful, every manager must develop the ability to send clear, unambiguous messages that efficiently convey the information they want to deliver. Effective messages use multiple channels to get the information across; for example, if you match your facial and body gestures to the intended meaning of a message while drawing a diagram to explain it, you are using three channels. Make sure that you take responsibility for the feelings and evaluations in your messages, using personal pronouns such as “I” and “mine.” Make the information in your messages specific, and refer to concrete details to avoid the possibility of misinterpretation. Keep your language simple and avoid technical jargon.

ACTION POINT: Ensure that your messages are congruent with your actions. Saying one thing and doing another is confusing and creates distrust.