Improved communications process benefits us all

Clear, accurate and timely communications is critical to your organization, our country and the world.

Communications is a process that has been studied by many disciplines and we all utilize the studied communications processes every day.

In direct terms, a process has three components: input, process and output. The communication process has other components but, for brevity, let’s stick to the basics.

The input is the message that you are sending to me. I, based upon many factors, will process the message.

Then, my output can take various forms to include forming an opinion, taking an action or responding with another message.

These outputs can be taken individually or in combination.

I have been reminded of the importance of communications by the major events that have occupied the headlines and smaller events in my life over the past few weeks.

The communications surrounding the Ebola epidemic in a few West African nations is the latest example of the importance of communications. Ebola, according to news reports, is not a new disease.

Our federal, state and local public health officials have monitored the disease for decades.

Additionally, the processes and procedures to minimize the impact and spread of the disease are well documented.

To this point, I have heard clear, accurate and consistent information from our public health officials.

Additionally, as I recall, weeks ago, there were reports from nuwmerous West African officials and other global health agencies asking for help to contain the spread of the disease. The communication was there; however, the requested swift action was not.

I recently attended a political forum where candidates for state and federal offices had an opportunity to address an interested audience. During the election season, politicians are in sales mode.

Sales mode is a refined form of communications in which an attempt is made to present all messages in a manner that reflects positively on the salesperson’s product or service or, in this case, the politician.

We should be especially attentive when the other speaker is communicating in sales mode.

In another meeting, there were communications regarding the care plan for a loved one.

All parties present had specific responsibilities and were working toward the same outcome: the best plan for benefit of the loved one. There was a clear exchange between all parties of past progress, current assessments and the desired future.

Notes were taken and a future meeting was scheduled. This was not the first care plan meeting and the well-established communications process resulted in a successful meeting.

Communications is not easy. Most of us could improve our communications processes.

Whether we need better communications regarding the urgency of a health care request or the action items of a care plan for a loved one, I believe improved communications processes will benefit us all. Cornell Wright is the lead consultant at The Parker Wright Group Inc. in Stratford, CT. The firm assists clients to increase their market share by improved customer service. He can be reached at 203-377-4226 or cornell@ parkerwrightgroup.com.

Cornell Wright PlanWell + Execute