Let's Figure ME Out

I've been trying to get my hands wrapped around what exactly my criteria is for effective organizational communication style.  Truth be told, that cluster of words has me confused... "effective organizational communication style".  Put together, I don't quite know what that means.  However, broken apart, it brings some clarity for how to apply them to me.  

To describe my communication style, I will put myself back in time when I was working at Public Affairs Office at the military hospital in my region.  I was in charge of three junior personnel subordinate to me and had a civilian “office” supervisor who I reported to within the office and its activities, as well as a military supervisor who I reported to with regards to military issues.  

"Effective Organizational Communication Style" = Effective Communication.  I believe I was, and still are an effective communicator because I lead by example.  I speak, act, work and dress as I expect my subordinates to.  I have always felt that I will be respected as a supervisor only if I am a model worker.  With regard to communicating, I reprimanded in private and complimented in public.  I was friends with my subordinates only to a certain extent.  We could go to lunch together on a work day, but we never socialized after work hours.  I did not swear and I did not allow vulgar language in the office.  I was honest and never acted like I knew more than I actually did.  

One-on-one, I felt my communication was very strong and professional.  I always made a point to sit down and conduct a conference at eye level with whomever I was speaking with, whether my leadership or those under my charge.  This way, we all felt that what we had to say mattered.  

I was not always like this.  I gained these skills over time and with maturity.  I remembered what hurt my feelings when talking with someone and used that information to know what NOT to do when communicating with another person.  

"Effective Organizational Communication Style" =  Organizational Style.  One of my absolute strongest traits is my organizational skills.  I L-O-V-E being organized!  It’s weird, but it’s true.  

Being organized makes life easier.  I know where things are, where things belong, when things are due, when I need to be where I need to be at what time.  I make handwritten lists in a leather-bound book that I keep in my purse.  I use post-its and a I have two large filing cabinets in my office.  I excel at Excel – I make spreadsheets for my household budget, Christmas gift spending, personal contacts, house needs like when to change the air filters and when to give the puppy her flea and tick treatment.  

I also use containers.  I L-O-V-E containers!  Everything in my house has a place.  My junk drawer is even organized.  Do I go overboard?  Maybe.  But, my efforts have saved my household money and time.  It also keeps the house looking neat, where it can be seen and where it can’t.  After all, how many people do YOU know who organize their closet by season, color, sleeve length and material all at the same time?