Communication is not as easy as it is cut out to be. There are basic rules that communicators must follow to effectively send or receive messages effectively. For example when sending messages it is important to own the message by using first person verb ‘1’ and making the message short and concise. Congruency in gesture and verbal signals is important. It is good to configure message to the audience’s frame of reference, describe feelings articulately, use body language, use suitable tone of voice, command attention using eye contact an varied non verbal actions, recognize group members feelings and most importantly ask for feedback.
In order to ensure messages is received effectively it is important to acknowledge senders feelings by non evaluative paraphrasing senders message, expressing perceived messages to clarify your interpretation and negotiating with sender just to check whether the both of you share the same meaning to the message. Underneath the communication process is the importance of active listening and assessment especially on the leader’s part.
From the perspective of group dynamics, a leader through communication is able to gain insight into the emotional, state of group members, and be aware of group sense of whole i. e. , are they under duress, are they challenged, what is the relationship between group members in respects to conflicts and unnecessary tensions among others. This information gathering is essential in getting to the root of the problem an eventually solving it. Other important factors influencing effective group communication is tolerance rapport, gender sensitivity and culture, self disclosure and so on.
For example last week my boss issued a stern memo warning against lateness in handling in jobs. In his memo, he said that late jobs would be fined heavily in the hope of deterring this behaviour. This was one-way communication as we were not allowed to air our views on the subject. Consequently, the day characterized with frustration, discontents and resentment towards the boss because group members felt there were variables that he did not take to consideration. This is poor communication.