Welcome to our special organization. You’re, no doubt, attending many briefings these first couple days as we get you up to speed. You’re learning about our organization’s structure and mission; where we get authorities and resources; a bit about our culture and the behaviors we value. Maybe history. Even the SHARP guy and chaplain are getting in on the introductions.
All that is good. Are you going to remember any of it? I hope so. I hope it was communicated well enough to resonate with you. We’re an organization of communicators, and I like to think we’re good at it, although I’ll be the first to admit we’re often not.
That’s why we’re having this conversation: I’m here to help you become one of our organization’s communicators. You wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t already demonstrated some communication skills, but we have a certain way of engaging others. Since you now represent our organization, our style will be your style.
If you can believe it, we have a communication “brand.” We prioritize our audience’s needs to accuracy and clarity, focus on the work we must achieve, and eliminate unnecessary words.
Before we dive into communication, here’s some perspective: We protect America. So do you. This is the only reason our organization, and your job, exists. Everybody here matters. Everybody who carries a permission slip is empowered to key the mic and solve problems.
So that we may protect America, there are a few things we need: Resources. Authorities. Approval. Operational support.
You know who gets us those things? Not just the commander or operations officer. We all do. You will. We’ll rely on your skills and judgment to get this organization the things we require.
You will do this by communicating. All of us are communicators, on behalf of this organization. Our ability to build relationships, tell stories and share context is crucial to the mission.
Because communication is the only way we get resources, authorities, approvals and operational support, I’m going to share a simple framework for how members of this organization communicate. People have come to expect members of our organization to communicate a certain way.
- We start with why to establish purpose.
- We provide just enough background and context to achieve understanding.
- We get off the X.
This is going to be fun.
(Photo by one of the best, Staff Sgt. Felix Fimbres, DVIDS)
