CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, at the heart of every successful organization is its ability to effectively communicate. Everyday across this base and throughout the Air Force, commanders and other unit leaders issue orders and directions that are vital to mission accomplishment. The nature of our work requires that we ensure those communications are clearly transmitted and received. Whether verbal, nonverbal, written, or otherwise, the mission relies heavily on effective communication and when communication breaks down, the mission is put at risk.
In work settings, there are many barriers that can hinder the communication process. What is most important is that we both recognize and navigate these obstacles to promote successful communications. Some of the most common barriers are selective hearing, defensiveness, making assumptions and a reluctance to be candid. These are common barriers that often come from our personal experiences, knowledge and/or bad habits.
Sometimes selective hearing is used when we assume we know what someone is going to say before we actually listen and hear them say it. It's also used when we assume we know a better way to do something, again, before we hear the alternative position. It's good to have constructive and creative ideas, however, it's a bad practice to promote those ideas without first listening to what is being said to us. Sometimes our idea of a better way is really just a different way. Selective hearing can be a barrier and a danger to good communications.
Taking on a defensive posture when receiving feedback, or when asked about the progress of a task or project is another barrier to effective communication. As a member of the Air Force team we must be open to criticism. The value of constructive criticism is lost when we allow it to fall on deaf ears because we choose to be defensive.
The last barrier is one of the most challenging. Getting the job done starts at the top. As leaders and managers, disseminating information, monitoring progress and providing feedback is a routine part of our jobs. If we are timid about communicating and hesitate to be candid with our subordinates, effective leadership will suffer. We can't take the chance that a few minutes are sufficient to be understood and will spare us embarrassment and failure?
Making sure we have the instructions right and asking questions when things are not clear will alleviate some of those nasty barriers. We have to establish interpersonal relationships with co-workers that can break through the communication barriers to success. It will take hard work and commitment, but the outcomes will be worth it. Most of the Inspector General complaints reported were due to failure to communicate. We have to make sure we are very clear because perception in some people minds is reality. Take the time to make sure you are understood.
Congratulations to our February promotees. Today marks the beginning of a milestone in your Air Force career. I know you will all continue to strive for the very best as you achieve your career and personal goals. The accomplishments you achieve contribute to helping this wing remain the premier airlift wing in Air Mobility Command.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy