Effective Communication Strategies (Research Paper Sample)

Effective Communication Strategies Name: Institution Effective Communication Strategies Effective communication is an indispensable tool in any productive organization or any organization with the prospective of becoming a world leader. Communication, both in people from the same department, different departments and along the ranks of the leadership structure determines to a large extent the final outcome of any institution. Most organizations are turning to training their leaders on communication strategies and techniques. With the rapid growth in modern technology, many leaders have been forced to train on the most effective communication strategies, which will ultimately help them in running their organizations and maintaining a competitive edge. This paper critically examines some of the most effective communication strategies while paying close attention to IKEA, a famous furniture production firm. Notably, even though globalization is slowly bringing about a universal culture, organizations both local and international always experience diversities of cultures in their workforce. The managers are in several occasions faced with the challenge of communicating effectively to every employee or member in the organization. Clampitt (2010) notes that an effective communication strategy is one which will make all this people feel included in the organization’s vision and purpose, besides stirring them up to give their best service and abilities towards realizing this goals. Based on definition, an open communication strategy refers to a communication system which enables all members of the organization to share their ideas, feedback and criticism towards anyone (Walker, 2010). It is worth noting that this strategy promotes equality through sharing on the current events and emerging issues. As a matter of fact, open communication builds an environment of trust between the managers and their juniors. Such an environment nurtures honesty, contribution and confidence, which are essential pillars for success. However, the leaders must be willing to accept criticism and committed to improving any area where criticism is passed upon. On the second note, inclusive communication as a strategy seeks to let everyone in the organization be involved in the decisions affecting their line of operation. Noting that diverse cultures imply a diversity of ways of doing things, such contributions strengthen individual’s confidence. What is more, this inculcates ownership, besides allowing the manager to get the best version of the required idea. Research clearly justifies that culture is the only glue that promotes improved performance in any given corporation. In that case, culture builds up a common ground for all participants and by so doing providing a sense of order that every participant is expected. History records that IKEA’s competitive advantage -the production of dismountable furniture, hence ensuring easy transportation- was developed as a result of staff contribution towards solving customers’ problems (Adair, 2011). Thirdly, it is important that the managers demonstrate a connection between the written mission and the day-to-day operations of the company. This forms a benchmark from where the realization of goals is easily attained as well as the achievement of profits in the long run. The only way to do this is going beyond the chanting of the mission every morning by the employees, to actually demonstrate it as a part of day-to-day operations. This poses a strong message to the members that the mission and purpose are important. As a strategy, the managers must lead corporate lives which demonstrate that the organization’s mission is important and urgent. Fourthly, communication must be two way. There ought to be a means through which both the leadership and the employees communicate to each other. The communication must not be forced but allowed and accepted. This will nurture a culture of inclusiveness and fairness. In IKEA, for instance, employees and subordinate staff are referr...