Senior Seminar Mr. Bernstein Corporate Communications and Improving Organizational Communications May 2, 2013

Business Administration & Management Mr. Bernstein Corporate Culture Every organization has its own culture Culture includes accepted methods of formal and informal communication Communications Networks Formal Networks – generally follow org charts, carry official messages Informal Networks – “the grapevine” – important even if not always accurate 2

Business Administration & Management Mr. Bernstein Effective Meetings Meetings can be time drain To stay efficient: Careful planning is key Ask participants to come prepared Have an agenda and stick to it Don’t run overtime Conclude by summarizing results and required followups Brainstorming Useful approach for creativity and innovation 3

Business Administration & Management Mr. Bernstein Dealing With Conflict Avoidance Strategy Appear to agree Works for unimportant issues but can build resentment Compromise Strategy Everyone gets part of what they want Win/Lose Strategy No compromise Damaging to relationships 4

Business Administration & Management Mr. Bernstein Facilitating Better Communications Work at being a better listener 1. Stop Talking! You cannot listen if you are talking 2. Put the talker at ease Create permissive environment 3. Show a talker that you want to listen Look and act interested 4. Remove distractions Shut the door if necessary 5. Empathize with talkers Try to see the other person’s point of view 5

Business Administration & Management Mr. Bernstein Facilitating Better Communications Work at being a better listener 6. Be patient Do not interrupt, allow plenty of time 7. Hold your temper …and you will understand better 8. Go easy on argument and criticism It makes people defensive; even if you “win”, you may lose 9. Ask questions Encourage the talker, controls conversation 10. Stop talking! You cannot gather new information while talking 6

Business Administration & Management Mr. Bernstein Encourage 2-way and Upward Communications Be available Have a plan to obtain feedback “Management by Walking Around” “Open Door Policy” Schedule regular meetings 7

Business Administration & Management Mr. Bernstein Communications Barriers Distractions Distortions and Selectivity Channels of Communication Oral Communication Written Communication Text or other IM NonVerbal Communication 8