What are they thinking? What are they feeling? What is their body language and tone telling you?The best results flow from a fusion of information, logic, and emotion. Consensus seeking offers the promise of marshalling group resources to produce synergistic outcomes without denying the integrity of individual members.Communication with Groups"In today's competitive business environment, diversity is more than just a buzzword. Progressive companies today are realizing that a case for diversity can be made, not simply because it's the right thing to do, but it positively impacts the bottom line." (The Case for Diversity, Smith, Malcolm, Culture and organizational change, Vol. 76, Management Accounting) With today's industry competing in a global market many organizations are taking the time to reevaluate their business structure. In doing so they are coming to the realization that they are actually many small businesses operating under the same roof. Enter the Business Unit. The business unit structure has its foundation in pure and simple teamwork. Each business unit within a company is responsible for their own profit and loss, budget, customer satisfaction and service, etc. There is normally a Business Unit Manager whose only purpose is to facilitate the team structure, ensuring the team has the necessary resources and tools to perform their jobs. The team itself decides all major decisions in the B.U., not by the residing facilitator. With this type of structure, communication is vital. This type of group environment must be able to bring down the wall of misunderstanding often built because of the diversity found within its population. One misunderstood idea could cost the team loss of revenue or worse, loss of a prime customer. In order for communication in a diverse group to flourish, some common barriers must be dealt with. Fear of change Language and cultural issuesUnwarranted AssumptionsConflict ResolutionNo matter what...
