It's the journey not the destination

I love telling stories and describing events in a way that helps to understand a little more about ourselves and why we do what we do.

Monday, 30 January 2012

Radio Gaga

Have you ever listened to one of those radio talk shows where the host raises the  important topic of the day? They have a couple of 'experts' with polar opposite opinions debate the issue and then  invite listeners to phone in with their views.   Of course, to make good radio, any comment has to increase the chance of disagreement and conflict.  It drives me mad!!!

I was recently moved to call into one of these radio stations, to put my view across.  My text and email was ignored and after phoning in and being put on hold for 10 minutes I gave up.  I now make a point of avoiding that particular show altogether.  

The following month I was talking to a team leader about the nature of communication in their organisation.  Their description reminded me of that talk show.  They are talked at and there is little opportunity of feeding back, or holding a constructive conversation about how to improve effectiveness or efficiency.  The effect?  The team leaders tune out, keep their ideas to themselves and, as Ken Blanchard said, quit and stay.

How do you manage and facilitate communication within and across your teams?  Is everyone tuned in or is it radio gaga?

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