Class bridges communication gap

  • Published
  • By Thea Skinner
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  A new communication class began at Peterson Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center in June. The class provides servicemembers and their families an opportunity to engage in an open educational setting. 

The new class develops skills in work place communication, getting along with others and active listening. 

Communication is a vital characteristic in workplace effectiveness. When a message is interpreted and the sender is approached about the message, the interpretation may not be in sync with the intended meaning. This conundrum is what Jan Kienast, 21st Force Support Squadron, Airman and Family Readiness Flight community readiness specialist, experiences in communication processes on base. 

"It seems there is a disconnect between what is said and what is received," Ms. Kienast said. 

The class aims to solve that communication barrier. 

In the workplace if one person feels disrespected and does not notify the other person, it may lead to internalizing emotions, she said. The cultural climate for communication is also a factor. 

"In the military environment there are a lot of things going on and a lot of messages are misinterpreted," she said. "It is always better to say I do not understand what you mean. It's OK to ask people questions - some people elaborate and others don't. Everyone likes to be taught a certain way. 

"The reason that people are put in leadership positions is to mentor the people under them," Ms. Kienast said. "If people are not getting the answers they need and not getting mentored, they do a task wrong." 

Often times when topics are not clarified, people will shut down becoming uncommunicative, she said. 

Solutions to such issues involve taking people away from the normal environment and holding a discussion, along with addressing topics as a group. 

"You can set goals as a group. When you have a unit meeting, have goals on the agenda. It is all in presentation," said Martina Porter, 21st Medical Operations Squadron, Family Advocacy outreach manager. "We want to be heard and respected. When we feel we are not being respected we come across as having an attitude." 

Staff Sgt. Trinity Perez, 21st Force Support Squadron Aragon Dinning Facility night shift supervisor, said she briefs her team at the beginning and end of the shift.

"What if the other person is not receiving you the way you need and the other person seems to be on the defensive," Sergeant Perez said.

Facilitators encourage establishing conversation key points: objective, hopes for accomplishments and purpose.

"You have to think about the conversation you are about to have. If you are not mentally and emotionally there, then say when a good time is," Mrs. Porter said. "Always process what you want to say. It is up to them to be able to hear what you have to say." 

The next class is scheduled for August and is open to active duty, civil service and contractor personnel. Family advocacy representatives are also available to talk with units to improve communication. For more information contact the center at 556-6141.

 

United States Space Force logo

Official United States Space Force Website