Real-Life Communication -- Solution
This is the real-life memo sent out by sociologist Stan Capela:
Memo to Staff
Re: Changes in Time Frames
In the past, you had four months to file a petition and 12 months to free a child. I need staff to file petitions by the 10th day. If we do that, we have more time to free a child. Although meeting these time frames is dependent on our agency attorney, we need your cooperation.
Therefore, we will send you a note when the child has been placed so you will know immediately that you have to send the file to the attorney to file a petition. Your cooperation is appreciated.
"You have to explain the changes to the staff in a way they'll easily understand. You have to communicate why it's a good thing, and you have to make the front-line workers accept the fact that they will have to change the way they do their casework," says Capela.
"Once they accept the changes and understand why they had to be made, they will have a much easier time to explain what's going on to the people they serve."
George Pavlich is a professor of sociology. He says communication skills -- both written and oral -- are vital. You have to be able to communicate the results of your work, he says.
"And if you can't do that, you can't get your points across. Sociologists in leadership positions also have to do a lot of persuading. And when you persuade, communication is vital."