A big part of organizational communication is fixing current problems in an organization and creating solutions and systems of communication that will benefit the organization.
A way to address a problem is to ask a simple, one-word question: "Why?"
A way to dig deeper into the root of the issue is to ask that same simple, one-word question again. And again and again and again. (See what I did there..? I asked why 5 times...)
There are always issues and motivations behind a problem that are sometimes hidden until you ask the simple question out loud... Why, do you ask?
Because people don't always communicate before a problem occurs. Start by breaking down the issue. Then slowly ask "why" at each phase you reach. Sometimes, hidden solutions may come to light. You have to understand the problem before you can fix it.
A very simple (and silly) example of asking the 5 whys may go a little like this:
A little girl lost her shoe.
Why?
Because her shoelaces were untied.
Why?
Because her classmate pulled them.
Why?
Because she received candy and he didn't.
Why?
Because he talked during class.
Why?
Because he wanted attention.
The 5 whys can apply to everyday life as well (to a certain extent).
Breathe a little and ask why, why, why, why, why? I mean, why not ask why?
ashton
*The 5 Whys can be found in The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook
As a senior in college, I am quickly realizing that graduation is increasingly approaching. My excuse for three years has been, "Oh, I have time, I'll think about that later." Now, I'm running out of time. I have to think now.
There are two very specific things that I must think about now: 1) what type of job do I want to have and 2) what morals/values/work environment do I want to have and uphold in my future job?
For the first question, I have that one figured out - I want to have a job in development and fundraising for a university, hospital, or nonprofit organization that I believe in. Basically, I want to help others. I want to feel like my job matters.
The second question was more difficult. In my organizational communications class, we had to look over a list of values* and slowly filter through until we found the ten most important values to us individually.
My top ten were:
- Decisiveness
- Having a family
- Helping other people
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Meaningful work
- Being around people who are open and honest
- Personal development
- Purity
- Religion/Faith
I then continued by slowly marking of each one off of my list until I had my two most important values: Meaningful work and religion/faith. I chose these two as the most important values to me because I feel that by adhering to these values and making them a priority, they will encompass the other values on my list as well.
To break it down: to me, development for an organization is meaningful work. It involves raising money for a cause that benefits others and seeks to better others. Having a job where the work is meaningful and not selfish means that there will be integrity in what I do. I can further develop myself personally by doing work that takes the focus off of myself and adds the perspectives of others.
Also, I am a Christian. My religion and faith are very important to me. As I finished my list of values, I noticed that most of them are values that are incorporated already into my faith. I feel as if I prioritize my religion on the top of my list, then I will be able to fulfill other values that I listed such as honesty, purity, integrity, helping others, and decisiveness.
Now, I am able to answer two very important questions about my future. After deciding what values are most important to me in a future job, I am more confident to approach job applications, interviews, and (hopefully!) a future work environment.
ashton
*Exercise and checklist found in The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook
Hello, my name is Ashton and this is my first blog.
To be honest, I have no idea how to blog - but I promise I will try to learn!
On this blog, you will find my thoughts and response to what I am learning about organizational communication. It will be interesting! Maybe.
Thanks for reading and welcome to my blog!
