Communication

 The Lost Art of Communication

Starting my consultancy after years in the corporate world brought many revelations—but one stood out, and not pleasantly. The habit of simply not responding to calls, messages, or emails has become shockingly common. Initially, I chalked it up to busy schedules, but soon I realized: this behavior is systemic.

📌 The Root of the Problem:
This trend is particularly prevalent among middle and lower-level employees. The worst? Occasionally, they respond, let you work on their requirements, and just when you’re ready to deliver—boom! You’re informed the task is already done. The waste of time, effort, and trust is heartbreaking.

💡 A Lesson from the Past:
In my earlier organization, not responding to stakeholders was considered unethical. In some cases, it even led to terminations, raising questions about integrity. And believe me, the Vigilance Team interrogations were no joke!

🧠 Insights from Mentors:
During my MBA in Jodhpur, I attended a guest lecture by Mr. Saboo, a renowned industrialist. He wisely said:
"Blocking communication channels is akin to shutting down your learning path."

Similarly, my professor, Shri VN Hukku, often emphasized:

1. Unanswered Calls & Messages: They lack respect for others' time and effort.

2. Ethics at Stake: Avoiding responses can imply bias or favoritism, even hinting at corruption.
3. Power Misuse: Authority shouldn’t breed arrogance; even juniors can tarnish professionalism.

That’s a profound insight shared by my other MBA teacher Prof. Raj K. Aggarwal, a reminder of how deeply individual identity intertwines with organizational culture. When you’re associated with a company, your every action speaks volumes—not just about you but about the values and ethos of the organization itself.

Your ID card becomes more than a badge; it symbolizes the trust and responsibility placed on you to reflect the company’s culture. Whether it’s the way you interact with colleagues, approach customers, or uphold ethical standards, your behavior serves as a living testament to the company’s character.

🔑 Why Communication Matters:
✅ Builds trust and mutual respect.
✅ Promotes transparency and ethical practices.
✅ Strengthens relationships, fostering collaboration.

As I see it, companies also share the blame. Insufficient focus on ethics training and communication practices often leads to these lapses. Perhaps, surprise audits could help!

Let’s remember, communication isn’t just about time management—it’s about respect, integrity, and professionalism.

#Leadership #Communication #BusinessEthics #TrustMatters #LessonsLearned