Two Way Communication

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

True two-way communication means not only that the receiver provides feedback but also that the sender is receptive to the feedback. In these constructive exchanges, information is shared between both parties, rather than merely delivered from one person to the other.

Because it is faster and easier for the sender, one-way communication is much more common than it should be. A busy executive finds it easier to dash off an e-mail message than to discuss a problem in person with a subordinate. Also, he doesn't have to deal with questions or challenges from someone who disagrees.

Two-way communication is more difficult and time-consuming than one-way communication. However, it is more accurate: fewer mistakes occur, and fewer problems arise later. When receivers have a chance to ask questions, share concerns, and make suggestions or modifications, they understand more precisely what the sender is communicating and what they should do with the information.3 Effectively sharing information among teammates is a prime contributor to performance.4

These advantages of two-way communication are why Cisco manager Randy Pond wants to see and hear the people he is meeting with. If some participants are in remote locations, Pond, who is Cisco's executive vice president of operations, processes, and systems, uses a videoconference. During one such meeting, when Pond made a statement, he watched his colleagues on his computer screen and noticed that one put his head in his hands. Pond reminded the participants that he could see them, adding, "If you disagree, tell me." This prodding opened up a fuller discussion of the ideas under consideration