I work for a small vocational college. Although the student population has grown since we opened the doors and started classes two years ago, the college is still considered a mom and pop college in comparison to the larger vocational colleges that we compete with. However, when it comes to communication, size does not matter. I enjoy working for my employer and most of my co-workers, although, we do have a few pitfalls when it comes to communication.
One of the most effective techniques for sharing information and ideas is meeting face to face to brainstorm. Brainstorming meetings can be very effective if it is planned the right way. It is important for all members of the team to come prepared with their ideas in writing. Being prepared eliminates long meeting with poor results. The most effective technique for sharing information is a group meeting. It is important to create a memo and send an email to reiterate the information shared in the meeting. This will ensure that everyone is in the loop on the information that was discussed in the meeting. I imagine that all companies have pitfalls when it comes to communication. The key is to recognize the pitfalls and make necessary changes to improve communication. One technique that is very ineffective is the word of mouth technique. An example of the word of mouth technique is an informal meeting between management and a few staff members. During this informal meeting a discussion of new policy and procedures is addressed. After the meeting, staff members who were not present during the unscheduled meeting are learning of the new policy and procedures through word of mouth from other employees. This can be a recipe for disaster because when information is shared through word of mouth, information is unintentionally omitted and misconstrued.

I do not work in a health care environment. However, based on research regarding communication in a health care work environment, communication can be challenging due to the diversity that exist amongst staff. “Diversity in the healthcare environment can also cause communication difficulties that impede effective service delivery. Many communication difficulties stem from differences in cultural values, languages, and points of view, and usually they can be overcome by understanding their source and applying techniques to resolve them (Thiederman S., 1996). One of the most effective techniques of sharing information and ideas in a health care work environment is putting it in writing in a language that everyone in the work place can understand. This technique insures that every staff member understands what has been written and can always retrieve the document information to reference the information or idea shared.
In some work environments management can become closed minded to the ideas of their subordinates. This can create a work environment where the staff feels that their ideas do not matter. I believe that all ideas should be heard, discussed, and considered whether or not you are in management. Sharing ideas and discussing ideas as a team can create a productive work environment with staff members, thus, creating a team that is happy and open to communicating and listening to information that is being conveyed to them. “Shared leadership is a phenomenon requiring a cultural change that restrains traditional vertical thinking and supports collaborative work practices in which everyone participates in the art of leadership (Angles, J. 2007).
Communication in the work place is vital. Technology with the way we communicate with our co-workers is constantly evolving. The more traditional ways of communication is through staff meetings, memo’s and emails. Technology has changed the more traditional techniques of

communication. Communication through text messaging, Skype, Instant Messaging, and web cams has become a common communication tool and is considered as a traditional means of communication in the work place. The more options we have to communicate the better. Communication is the key component to having an organization the runs efficiently and effectively.