ABSTRACT
A readiness to communicate effectively with people at all levels is often considered the hallmark of the good manager. And yet this desirable condition is seldom to be observed in practice at the more senior reaches of management. The majority of employees feel they lack the benefits of face-to-face contact with those they believe to be the real wielders of power. And the resulting sense of alienation gives rise to numerous misunderstandings. Can it be that senior managers have ignored the importance of communications? I do not think that can be the explanation. Managers commonly talk about these matters and are always on the lookout for solutions. The problem arises from the fact that in the eyes of most employees communication is seen primarily as an oral activity. People like to talk about their work and they appreciate those who listen. But if such aspirations were to be generally met and managers were to communicate directly with all their employees, they would soon be awash in a sea of words. A vast load of other business awaiting attention on a manager's in-tray would die of neglect.
