How much importance do you put in written and verbal communication in your leaders, subordinates and others?

SFC Stephen King — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 12:48:05 -0500

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 12:54 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 12:54:54 -0500

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Dec 20 at 2015 1:00 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 13:00:52 -0500

Communication is critical, though I think the military can do a better job of training people on effective communication as they become more senior. Leading by example is still key for senior leaders (both officers and enlisted) but communication becomes just as important, if not more important, as one's influence begins to extend far beyond what those around them can directly observe.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 20 at 2015 1:09 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 13:09:24 -0500

Verbal is great, immediate feedback or direction and vital, but written is a requirement, before or after.
a quick written communication after giving, receiving, modifying orders or task directions is the best way to ensure what was received was what was sent.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 20 at 2015 1:50 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 13:50:03 -0500

My goal was the KISS principle and communicate right the first time. No long emails and no abundance of emails about the same subject.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 2:00 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 14:00:41 -0500

SFC Stephen King As you should well know, some orders cannot be put in writing. Sandy

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 6:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 18:17:56 -0500

Leadership is communication if you don't communicate then you are not leading. At my level I put a lot more stock in verbal communication. However the higher you get up the change the more important writing is. I don't like the Lead by email types.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 21 at 2015 10:54 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 10:54:01 -0500

Most answers are focused on communications directed at a SM. My biggest gripe are "leaders" who can't write, hence continually poison careers with improper evals, award recommendations, etc. My second level gripe are "leaders" who can write but have no clue how to differentiate performance and who should be pushed forward as a priority. My third gripe are "leaders" who know how to write and know how to differentiate, but lack the courage to follow through when it hits the fan. That also applies to failing to trim the bottom side of the bell curve properly.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2015 12:55 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 12:55:34 -0500

The Air Force is pushing a standard for e-mails, talking points, background papers is captured as:
BLUF:
Background:
Discussion:
Recommendation:

Focused on direct and concise. Sure makes going through email easier, since frequently the BLUF is enough.

Response by CPT John M. O'Connor made Dec 22 at 2015 5:39 PM

CPT John M. O'Connor — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 17:39:37 -0500

I think written communication has been very weak in the civilian world. Many military leaders have this down much stronger than they think and it is very valuable outside of the military.