Communication concepts and concepts that enhance communication will be discussed briefly in this writeup. The focus will be the subtopics noted below:
A: Concept definition
B: Other explanation
C: Example of a workplace scenario depicting the ABSENCE of the concept
D: Example of a workplace scenario depicting the PRESENCE of the concept
- LOGICAL THINKING AND ARGUMENTATION
A:
Logical thinking is the process of understanding and analysing a situation in context. Argumentation merges logical thinking with persuasion. Both concepts demand improved thinking, open-mindedness and objectivity. In achieving these, we have to be comfortable with meeting logical contradictions, tracing them to the premises that created them so that quality ideas can stand out clearly.
B:
For managers, logical thinking and argumentation are expressed in day-to-day speaking and writing. In making decisions, we weigh the logical implications and find the best decisions that fit the specific context. The process of putting thoughts together in written form is equally important. For example, office memos. A manager wants to pass certain messages in an ideal, persuasive, formal, yet impactful manner. He strings his thoughts creatively to accommodate different logical thinking processes. Writing down also means there are chances of rewriting. After each thought process, he reviews his writing to confirm that it still fits the context while maintaining impact.
C:
A manager writing and handing out a memo while he’s angry may write an aggressive memo that’s lacking quality argumentation and thinking.
A presenter trying to convince the board to implement or invest in certain idea without quality arguments supporting his stance
D:
Carefully reading and rereading a memo to fit the said context without losing its impact is a process of logical thinking by a manager.
- CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
A:
Cross cultural communication stems from cross cultural intelligence. It studies features of a person or group behaviour, with focus on features that are true or false to all people, those that are universal and idiosyncratic.
B:
Cross cultural communication is related to emotional intelligence. It’s arguably a higher level of use of emotional intelligence. Some aspects of cross cultural communication are innate; it can still be attained through conscious effort. An example of its use is a multicultural company where managers relate with different cultures and people. It’ll be wrong to generalise the behaviour of a certain group of people based on the manager’s experience with one or two at work. A cross culturally intelligent communicator will know how to relate with such a group, his choice of words and expressions and conscious efforts to understand them. This way, it’s easier to distinguish the person’s behaviour from their culture.
C:
As stated above, a hasty generalisation situation without in-depth study of their cultural reality is a lack of cross-cultural communication.
D:
A new manager overseeing a team working remote. He’ll make conscious efforts using his head, body and heart to understand the strength and weakness of each team member and how being remote helps to maximize or minimize their outputs. A cross-cultural communication explains work-life balance, work time variation, peak periods etc.
