The Clueless Communicators
As written in 2012 by Schermerhorn, Osborn, Uhl-Bien, and Hunt, “The Poorly Informed Walrus” is a story concerning communication barriers experienced between the leader of a group and his subordinates (p. w-118). In this fable concerning communication, a wise old walrus attempts to lead his herd through the demanding everyday issues they encounter regularly. Food supplies are dwindling, the beaches are receding, another herd enters their territory, and members of the community are leaving the herd. Throughout the whole ordeal, Communication and collaboration are threatened due to the temperament of the Chief walrus and the falsified and limited feedback of the group. Although the Chief is the oldest, biggest, and wisest walrus in the herd, he is also known for his terrible temper. The Chief lacks the patience needed to constructively criticize the group for their failures and the group lacks the skills needed to improve communication and develop teamwork. Lack of transparent communication threatens the harmonious lifestyle of the team and will lead to its demise. …show more content…
Without clear communication, there is a good possibility the relationship will fall apart and collapse. Therefore, all members of the group should work hard to educate themselves in their perspective roles so that cohesion is accomplished and crisis is avoided. According to Schermerhorn et al. (2012), the major reason for communication breakdown is fear (p. 257). Avoiding defensiveness and disconfirmation is the major emphasis of supportive communication. Focusing on the problem and not the person, being specific and descriptive, owning the communication, and being congruent are techniques for joint problem solving (Schermerhorn et al, 2012). Interactional transparency coupled with supportive communication principles will create a successful work environment for the
As written in 2012 by Schermerhorn, Osborn, Uhl-Bien, and Hunt, “The Poorly Informed Walrus” is a story concerning communication barriers experienced between the leader of a group and his subordinates (p. w-118). In this fable concerning communication, a wise old walrus attempts to lead his herd through the demanding everyday issues they encounter regularly. Food supplies are dwindling, the beaches are receding, another herd enters their territory, and members of the community are leaving the herd. Throughout the whole ordeal, Communication and collaboration are threatened due to the temperament of the Chief walrus and the falsified and limited feedback of the group. Although the Chief is the oldest, biggest, and wisest walrus in the herd, he is also known for his terrible temper. The Chief lacks the patience needed to constructively criticize the group for their failures and the group lacks the skills needed to improve communication and develop teamwork. Lack of transparent communication threatens the harmonious lifestyle of the team and will lead to its demise. …show more content…
Without clear communication, there is a good possibility the relationship will fall apart and collapse. Therefore, all members of the group should work hard to educate themselves in their perspective roles so that cohesion is accomplished and crisis is avoided. According to Schermerhorn et al. (2012), the major reason for communication breakdown is fear (p. 257). Avoiding defensiveness and disconfirmation is the major emphasis of supportive communication. Focusing on the problem and not the person, being specific and descriptive, owning the communication, and being congruent are techniques for joint problem solving (Schermerhorn et al, 2012). Interactional transparency coupled with supportive communication principles will create a successful work environment for the