readings icon presentation iconquiz iconresources icon

5.1 Modelling high standards of performance

The uniqueness of an organisation's culture is due to the mix of the factors that can be heavily influenced and shaped by the manager's actions. This mix will be specific to an organisation's workplace(s). If communication practices ensure that these elements promote effective employee relationships and performance, then this attribute is almost impossible for a competitor to replicate. It is not a machine or a design for a product and service, it is embedded in how people want to work together.

How an individual frontline manager models effective behaviours (i.e. is a role model) will vary dependent upon the subordinates, the context and the manager's experience. But the attainment of trust, empathy, respect, and integrity in communication relationships needs to pervade all communication practices.

Figure 1 Communication cornerstone

Figure 1 Communication cornerstone

Creating a cornerstone of empathy, trust and integrity requires frontline managers to adopt what have been called the four 'Cs' within communication practices:

Credibility You say what you mean and you mean what you say.

Confidence You deal with even the most difficult circumstances and seek input from others.

Consistency You set a standard that does not vary requirements without clear evidence and participation by staff.

Context You can make all the separate actions fit into a real workplace situation and the related issues.

Confidence of colleagues and customers comes from repeat and competent performance. Adhering to the four 'Cs' continues to reinforce the unique interaction customers and staff can enjoy with an individual or team.

previous page arrow Previous Page - Next Page next page arrow