Effective communication is about more than just exchanging information.It is about understanding the emotion and intentions behind the information. Earlier this summer, the President of our University sent a memo out university wide stating that all faculty, and staff would receive a one percent pay increase effective October 1^stand a two percent merit increase.

Most people would read the memo and assume they would be receiving a three percent pay increase.But after further clarification, days later, a second memo was sent out to clarify the criteria for eligibility of the pay increase.To receive the one percent increase, you must have been employed full time as of June 30^thof this year and that the 1 % pay raise was across the board.But the two percent was a merit-based pool for staff only and not everyone would receive the two percent raise as it would be based on evaluations.

As you can imagine this was not as well received especially by our faculty as they would only be receiving the one percent.Staff would receive the one percent but may not qualify for any additional increase based on their evaluations.

Because the original memo did not clarify the criteria for the raise amounts, and was vaguely stated, it caused confusion with the recipients and resulted in some difficult conversions with employees as to why they would only be receiving the one percent verses one and a half percent or even more depending on evaluations.

For many, communicating more clearly and effectively requires learning some important skills.To become an effective communicator, you must first become an engaged listener.Often, we focus on what we should say and less on understanding what is being communicated and the emotions the speaker is trying to convey.

Second, pay attention to the nonverbal signals. Obviously, this is not possible when the message in the form of a memo or email but be aware of the "tone" of the message.

Third, keep your stress in check. How many times have you said or done something that you later regretted?Agree to disagree if needed.Take a break and cool off then readdress the issue with cooler heads.

Finally, you need to assert yourself.A direct, assertive expression makes for clear communication and help boost your self-esteem and decision-making skills.Being assertive does not mean being hostile or aggressive, it just means being honest and standing up for yourself and respecting others.

Required

Suppose that you are the employees. Talk about how enacting communications to talk about the issues recognized above, could affect the circumstances more excellently or not so good. Provide particular instances to back your answers, if able to be done.