One Size Fits All

It is easy to overlook in these times of much talk of organizations, corporations, conglomerates, government agencies, and even governments themselves that entities are comprised of people; individuals with their own needs, biases, hopes, insecurities, and visions. No matter whether these men and women are in leadership positions or are part of the support staff, they share a desire to be part of a communication network that enables them to maintain a connection with those who are around them and others who share their professional and possibly even personal interests. Bosses want to be heard, know their directives and messages are being communicated, and be aware of questions and concerns those under them might have. And those who do report to those managers, directors and executives want to feel appreciated, have a sense that their efforts are making a positive difference, and be secure that any questions, suggestions or good-faith criticisms they might have can be made without fear of reprisal.

What I consider to be these fundamental needs that superiors and subordinates within any entity possess are not all that different. They speak to each person's desire to have a positive sense of self and need to be connected to others. Good communication can address those needs that organizational members at all levels have. In a sense, communication really is a one-size-fits-all commodity. The primary difference is that at times people like to be communicated with in specific ways that may vary from the manner in which others might like to be communicated. Additionally, the way the organizational members may wish to communicate with others might vary from time-to-time as well. This speaks to the logistical challenges that often fall into the lap of the communication professionals.

Every so often, people at all levels of an organization question their sense of self and wonder whether they are as connected to others as much as they need or want to be. These feelings of doubt come with being human. Those occasional bouts of melancholy may never vanish completely for any of us, but they can be dealt with more easily via the well-placed, well-timed and sincere communique from others and from viable opportunities that allow all of us to be heard as well. Not only does communication get us through our days, but, which needed, it can also help us rise above them.