Problem Solving
Problem Identification
Poor communication has been one of the challenges ailing my place of employment. Communication is viewed as one of the essential aspects of a successful firm. Generally, the management and the employees should have smooth communication to avoid a case where challenges cannot be solved because the available channels cannot transmit the necessary information when required. Also, communication should consider all the parties involved and should not enforce policies for any of the parties. The employees are always on the receiving end when a company has poor communication channels, and the results are inadequate production and high production costs. Poor communication has been evident in the workplace leading to frequent employee strikes and a diminishing rate of return from the various investments.
The issue of poor communication came up during the previous month when employees were involved in a go-slow and, eventually, a strike. Most of the employees were dismissed under the accusations of failing to honor the terms of contracts. However, the management appeared to have overlooked the leading cause of the strike and seems to be welcoming another strike on a sooner date. The main problem was that the employees were angered by a pay-cut that was not explained as well as the increase in the roles assigned to employees without sufficient explanation. Although the pay-cut was due to a contribution of a retirement benefits scheme, the employees were not informed in advance, and the decision was made without their involvement. Furthermore, the management did not consider the views of the employees concerning the need for a contribution. The growing gap between the administration and the employees shows a need for concern on the need to address poor communication as a problem. Moreover, weak transition mechanisms from the former to current management are responsible for the current issue of poor communication.
Causes of Poor Communication
The leading cause of poor communication in my workplace can be attributed to the weak transition mechanisms in management. The firm went through an overhaul after several managers quit employment for better opportunities. Communication channels were affected, and workers stopped having a direct connection with the leadership. Generally, a negative perspective got into the minds of the employees who have been thinking that the management no longer listens to their concerns. Usually, the previous administration used to hold frequent meetings with the employees who would raise their concerns on the areas that need to be improved. The current leadership hardly holds consultative meetings with the employees, and the result has been poor relations, with employees moving for strikes and go-slows to make their interests addressed.
The lack of cooperation between the employees and the management confuses when policies are made. The employees need to have a glance at whatever the firm decides to venture in as well as to have the opinions considered. When the employees are overlooked in the decision-making, the turn against the management and their morale goes down. Lack of motivation and low confidence is disastrous in the workplace. Besides, the production process entirely depends on the employees to achieve the goals of the firm. Also, the distance maintained between the employees and the management has not been healthy for the communication channels in the firm. The information has been being delivered through unreliable sources, and the employees have been facing significant challenges trying to assess crucial details. However, a CEO is in a position to turn things around in the workplace by carrying out a series of recommendations.
Finding a Solution as a CEO
As a CEO in my workplace, a solution to the problem of poor communication would come from a set of several recommendations. The employees are the most essential aspect of the firm, and thus any solution should be based on them. Therefore, the employees will be engaged in a consultative meeting to come up with a strategy that will ensure that communication flows smoothly between the management and the employees. Generally, the solution to the poor communication challenge will involve identifying the leading cause as presented by the employees. Besides, the employees are aware of where and when communication failures began being noticed. The involvement of the employees will also be based on finding out whether the firm should be blamed for the communication failures, or the employees are responsible for the challenges. Moreover, the involvement of the employees will give the management a chance to have the communication preferences of the employees under check.
The preference of communication channels by the employees plays a crucial role in impacting the flow of information from top to bottom. The workers are, therefore, involved in explaining their preference for communication methods such as the email system. Furthermore, the reason behind a low response rate towards the email system that was introduced by the new management should be assessed. If a communication strategy is developed without considering the reasons behind the failure of the previous strategy, the results may not be as expected. Also, the employees will probably prefer choosing a communication strategy that they are conversant with and will be willing to cooperate. Also, the engagement strategy will involve the inclusion of interaction sessions between employees and the management, as used to be the case with the previous management.
Why the Solution is Feasible
Poor communication has been negatively impacting the production ability of the firm. A solution is urgently needed to save the firm from the risk of collapsing. Generally, the firm has prided itself on a strong network of long-serving employees who have contributed immensely towards the current reputation of the company image. Therefore, the current state of affairs has become a cause of concern because the company may lose a considerable number of employees if urgent measures are not taken. The strategy is, therefore, essential in ensuring that the firm does not incur additional costs in having to employ new employees. Moreover, the strategy involves the employees who form an essential part of the firm’s objectives.
A strategy that involves coming up with an interactive session with employees is essential in ensuring that the firm does not face similar challenges in the future. The impact on employees has shown significant impacts on the production level of the company. The management, therefore, does not have an option other than choosing a strategy that comes with an assurance that both the firm and the employees benefit from the strategy. Besides, the strategy does not give a chance for loopholes that might come along strategies involving making policies without involving the employees. Generally, the strategy puts the interests of the employees first and will generally improve motivation among the employees. Therefore, the strategy is best for providing a solution to the challenge of poor communication.