FESTUS OSIFO

The application of shared meaning in communication.

In my work place, I have five French nationals who are my subordinates such I am expected to send a work program to them every morning. For over one year, I have been having issues with two of them who couldn't speak or write English very well. After the first intensive week in LBS, I learnt a skill from the management communications class that I have started implementing, and it has worked thus far. 

From the class teaching, I realized the importance of shared meaning, encoding, decoding and feedback. In composing the daily program, I tend to make it as simple, clear and breve. Furthermore, I call them on phone in the morning after the work program has been sent to explain the task I have asked them to accomplish. At the end of the discussion, I will request for feedback to ensure there is shared meaning. 

Since I started implementing this improved communication system, my colleagues are happier because they felt I now understand their special need, and the work scope implementation has improved drastically with reduced friction.