I think that effective communication skills are important for me because my future job is all about managing people. If you do not already know, I am a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular. I am quite fortunate in the sense that I get to skip the "job searching/resume (cover letter)-writing" stage. However, I think that it is still a vital skill to pick up as the future is unpredictable, and these skills will definitely come in handy when the time arises. When I return to the force after I graduate, I will have to lead men and take care of their welfare and training. I will have to forge bonds with my men and earn their trust and respect. I believe that effective communication is the key to building trusting relationships with my men. These men come from very diversified backgrounds and it is important to speak with the right tone and the right words, so that certain negative messages are not subtly passed to the men. The same formula will not work for every soldier. I would need to be extremely persuasive so that I can motivate my people to strive for their best and contribute to the defence of the nation. Effective communication with my future superiors will also be crucial with regards to the cascading of intent by the higher headquarters (HQ) down the ranks. Generally, I think that effective communication is an essential skill for anyone. Effective communication minimizes the chance of one offending people unnecessarily, and allow the other party/parties to receive one's message completely and accurately.
I do agree with you. To be a good official requires you to be a good leader, and part of that is good communication. Do earn the trust and respect of your men, so that they will follow you even if they will never return. As the Art of War by Sun Tzu says, "Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley" (視卒如愛子，故可與之俱死)
ReplyDeleteOh, you will also need to communicate well with your superiors if you want to get anywhere. Fail, and DB awaits you.
Perhaps in the army there is all the more reason to be able to communicate at different levels because you'd be dealing with people from varied educational backgrounds. The key lies in being able to adapt the style of communication to the particular audience in a given context.
ReplyDeleteHi Li Koon,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your points. As a leader, we need to give a good example in the way we communicate. We also need to be flexible to different style of communication, especially to people with different characteristics.
Yeah..
ReplyDeleteI feel likewise too..
Though in the army one is 'trained' to listen to instructions, nonetheless, people are still people. Without proper communication skills, unhappiness and disputes are sure to happen, even in organizations like the SAF.
Do apply what you've learnt in the course and future army boys will definitely gain a lot from it! ;)