Good Communication Is Essential

Good Communication Is Essential
By Bobby Bock
NAPS Southeast Area Vice President

I have found that effective communication is one of the most important keys to success. History is filled with great communicators; two who come to mind are Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Ronald Reagan.

Dr. King once said, “It is always the right time to do the right thing.” President Reagan gave us the unforgettable words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Both statements were powerful because they were clear, direct and perfectly suited to their audiences.

So, how does this translate to our daily interactions at the Postal Service? First, know your audience. Whether you are leading a team meeting, talking with subordinates or speaking with your manager, your message must be clear, respectful and focused.

Second, be a good listener. Communication is not just about speaking, it’s also about understanding. When someone brings up a concern, pause and consider your response carefully before answering.

Third, write effectively. Email communication, in particular, should be clear, professional and free of errors. Personally, I draft my messages in Microsoft Word, run a spell check, then use the “read aloud” feature to listen for mistakes. Hearing it read back helps me catch things I might have overlooked.

One of my biggest pet peeves is sending an email and receiving no response. How do I handle that? First, I forward the original message with a polite note asking if they saw my previous email. If I still get no reply, I escalate the issue. Communication is a two-way street.

At the VMF, I hold weekly sit-downs with my EAS staff and leads.

We review an agenda covering everything from preventative maintenance to training. Then, I go around the table and ask each person if they have any issues to raise—whether it’s a request for a new tool or a safety concern. These open discussions keep us aligned and moving forward.

No matter where you work in the Postal Service, communication is essential. It keeps the team rowing in the same direction; only then can we truly succeed.

I encourage you to take a look at yourself and your operation and ask: What can I do to improve my communication skills? Strengthening this one skill not only will help your team, but also help you grow into a stronger, more effective leader.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m in the USPS database under Robert M. Bock Jr.; I welcome your call.

Remember—the VMF is your friend.