Downward, Upward, and Lateral Communication

How to engage in effective upward communication:

communicate in headlines, not paragraphs support your headlines with actionable items prepare an agenda to make sure you use your boss's attention well

Downward Communication

flows from one level to a lower level assign goals, provide instructions, communicate policies, and procedures, and provide feedback must explain the reasons why a decision was made explanations increase employee commitment and support of decisions one problem is the one-way nature of downward communication

Upward Communication

flows to a higher level in the group or organization provide feedback to higher-ups, inform them of progress, and relay current problems

Lateral Communication

takes place among members of the same work group, among members of work groups at the same level, among managers at the same level, or among any horizontally equivalent personnel often necessary to save time and facilitate coordination may be formally sanctioned can create dysfunctional conflicts