Communication Flashcards
Group discussions give participants an opportunity to
share ideas and experiences in a learning situation
TIMING is important in
written communications
*Too late –> no good
What should opening statement be in a reply to a citizens request that must be denied?
Careful consideration has been given
If you overhear subordinates discussing something your boss told you as confidential, you should
tell your Bossl
ie. if you are chief and Mayor told you to keep it confidential
Discussing problems at a staff meeting is
OK. Subordinates will better understand
Reports to your boss, from subordinates, should be
BASED on the information reported to you. Report all RELEVANT info
What should you do if a subordinate insists on doing a tasks the wrong way
Stay calm and explain the correct way
What should you do if a cop is always giving BAD information to others?
Shut him up!
What is the most important skill a supervisor should have?
Ability to communicate…more than ability to motivate
What 2 skills are most important to a good supervisor
Interpersonal Communication and Human Relations
What should you do if a subordinate constantly misinterprets orders?
Have them repeat the orders in their own words.
What happens when someone in the chain-of-command is by-passed by an order
the person who SHOULD have the information may not have it.
When reporters press you for info, you should tell them
the matter is being investigated.
Standardized reporting procedures facilitates getting info from
FIELD to HEADQUARTERS
Informal communications may not be
accurate - not a good way to issue orders
Subordinate who disagrees with your ideas and says they are a waste of time should
be asked to explain their opposition
You are asking subordinates for information and he seems to get visibly upset - you should
Ask Why he feels that way or EXPLAIN why you’re asking the information
When you submit reports to your boss based on info from you subordinates, you should give your boss
all relevant and important information
When your subordinates filter information to you, you should
review your manner of communication
Morale will be higher if your communications with subordinates are
open and accurate
When important information must be forwarded to another boss, it should be done
FACE TO FACE at shift changing time
If a supervisor FILTERS an order given to him by Chief, what can happen?
Rumors
When you submit a report you don’t
open with an explanation of WHY you’re submitting the report
What do you do if a subordinate always makes negative comments about a new procedure and his comments are disruptive?
Privately tell him to stop
If subordinates are FILTERING information to you, consider
that your communication with them may be at fault.
For coordination to be effective, it must occur
at all organizational levels to prevent disharmony.
The essential activity of coordination can best be accomplished through
Direct communication.
To assure that your written communications are effective you should
logically organize info and write in a simple style
Best way to deal with rumors is to
keep your subordinates informed *Facts Kill Rumors
Coordination of effort that is difficult in a task force setting can best be achieved through
regular and direct communication
When a supervisor bypasses the formal channels of communication, it is possible that
everyone who should be informed may not get the message - not good.
What kills RUMORS
FACTS/INFORMATION
Important information from one tour to the next tour should be given when?
IN PERSON from the off going boss to the oncoming boss (aka shift change)
**If your boss gives you some information and tells you not to discuss it with others (confidential), you should
tell your boss if you overhear your subordinates discussing the same info
When you discuss something that is confusing at a staff meeting, you will get subordinates to
better understand
The best indication of efficient communication within a department is
each employee of the department knows what he or she is supposed to do and how to do it.
Giving correct information to first-line supervisors will prevent
RUMORS
Encourage your subordinates to follow rules or regulations by
explaining reasons for the rules and regulations
Staff meetings are useful in passing on
new information, such as a new law, and discussing it’s impacts.
