WEEK TWO: COMMUNICATION ASSESSMENT

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION: We have excellent communication at work. There are several things we ask ourselves whenever we communicate. As far as improvement goes, we try to fine tune the little things as time goes by.

DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION: Downward communication is addressed thoroughly to the targeted parties. Our belief is that no one should have questions on the nature of the mission. If there are questions, those questions are fielded and disseminated to all involved.

COMMUNICATION IN MEETINGS: Most of our communications are clarified during meetings. After the brief is given, it is the responsibility of each leader to brief his people. After each leader brief his people, a verbal confirmation is given up the chain of command. This is a requirement. Failure to do so constitutes a breakdown.

FEEDBACK: Feedback comes in the form of questions and assurances during the brief. A part of our feedback is the assurance of comprehension.

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION: Our external communication is usually done by memo. It may come in the form of email or standard letter. These methods are followed up by verbal conversations.
We generally have very few problems in this area.

CULTURAL / GENDER COMMUNICATION: We have a melting pot. Marines are highly encouraged to learn other cultures. I believe that we perform well.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION: During these times we do a lot of electronic communication. As far as I know, we have very few problems with electronic communication. Most of these take place on secured sites.

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION: We may be masters at nonverbal communication. We have hand and arm signals for nonverbal communications. We also delve into mannerisms. It is a big indicator of what may be going on.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: We have great written communication. Besides the everyday communication, our written communications are usually directed to outside agencies.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Our interpersonal communication is somewhat average. We all understand the mission at hand. This takes precedence over everything. I’m not saying we have hearts of monsters. Whenever the time is available, we do take the opportunity to know each other.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION: Our business also depends on visual communication. This is very important to us. We do a great job at visual communication. It is everything to us.