The importance of good communication is deeply ingrained in modern management practice. It is generally accepted that within a well-run business, information will flow smoothly in every direction – up, down and sideways. But if this goal is so clearly in sight, why do many businesses suffer from bad communication dynamics? What enables the free movement of knowledge and opinions across organizational boundaries in some companies, while others are plagued by a creepy mix of rampant rumors and information suppression? In my experience, it has less to do with formal communication plans than with the underlying behavioral principles of the organization’s leaders. This blog post concerns one high-impact area of conduct: navigating the chain of command.
This issue is fraught for a number of reasons. At a fundamental level, our standard hierarchical management structures create a paradox where communication is concerned. On one hand, the chain of command is integral Continue reading ‘The Chain of Command’
Chick Operating Officer 