CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. –
One of the most critical elements involving people and the mission is communication.
It is a vital tool that enables effective mission accomplishment and it is often overlooked.
In regards to communication, we should always ask ourselves the following question:
"Who must be informed?" or "Who has a need to know?" This question should be asked each time a process or policy changes.
Many of us have been guilty of jumping the gun to start a project, but failed to communicate thoroughly. When a process is implemented or changed, everyone involved must be informed, from the highest to the lowest ranking member. Many have heard that communication should be made upwardly, downwardly and laterally. It's ineffective for changes to be made if the people who accomplish the mission everyday are not informed. This type of communication breakdown, obviously jeopardizes mission accomplishment and has the potential to place the safety of our nation at risk.
Another example is when representatives are sent temporary duty to training conferences, etc. They have the responsibility to take notes, return to the unit and share that knowledge with those who were unable to attend. The government spends thousands of dollars each year sending selected individuals for training.
Everyone cannot attend because it would be too costly and disrupt the mission, but those who are afforded the opportunity should understand the need to communicate that information at the home station. Doing this also allows the government to capitalize on its investment (sending a member TDY). If that information is shared and others learn too, then the dollars spent were a worthwhile investment. Additionally, we can see improvements in our day-to-day operations as a result of better understanding.
Of course, simple communication without proper action or application is ineffective, but that's a different topic. Despite that fact, good communication prevents many problems in the workplace. It can eliminate personality problems and wrong perceptions. It is also necessary to maintain a strong fighting force and to get the job done.