Subordinates Need Strong Communication Skills, Too

When looking at organizations - big or small - a preponderance of the attention given them has revolved around the boss or supervisor. This is certainly understandable as it is the head honcho that oversees the operation, the efforts of its employees, and is held responsible for the overall success of the organization itself. Without question, challenges that the supervisor faces have deserved the attention that researchers and others have given this professional and the role they play. My most recent posting, in fact, pertained to supervisors and the difficult communication challenges they address on a daily basis.

As we know, there is another key player in any organization: the subordinate. This person deserves their fair-share of analysis, too, especially when it comes to communication. While they may not always have much of a say in what their responsibilities are, they do often carry the burden of determining ways to meet them. In addition, these professionals have the extra challenges of devising strategies to work well with their colleagues as well as figure out ways to grow and ultimately advance in their careers. If this was not enough, subordinates also have to determine ways to get along with those to whom they report.

A supervisor is one of many. A subordinate is part of "the many." It is vital that they blend in to help ensure their organization functions smoothly as an overall entity. At the same time, the subordinate is an individual with their own goals, ambition and personality. How do they reconcile the two in such a way that addresses their needs as well as those of the organization? To add to that, how do they achieve those important objectives in a way that enables them to not alienate the other members of the organization?  Without question, subordinates do not have it easy either. This is why they, too, need solid communication skills.