Be prepared when you deliver your message.
The best-crafted message, delivered by the appro- priate medium can misfire by a sender who fails to listen carefully, avoids responding out of fear of consequences, or undermines the message with qualifiers, such as “I don’t know if you’re interested.”
(For more information on communicating effectively, see Sullivan, E. J. (2013). Becoming influential: A guide for nurses (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
What You Know Now • Communication is a complex, ongoing, dynamic process. • How to deliver a message depends on the purpose, the content, and the relationship. • Messages can be distorted or misconstrued. • Gender, generation, cultural background, and the organizational culture influence communication and its
outcome. • Expert communication skills are essential for a leader to be successful. • Communication strategies vary according to the situation and the roles of people involved. • Collaborative communication is challenging, and specific skills can help. • Nurses can enhance their communication skills with effort and practice.