Re-Making Communication at Work

Almost 400 years ago philosophers John Locke and David Hume implicitly defined communication as a tool for the transmission of pure ideas, stating that the ideas themselves are what matter, not the way in which they are expressed and exchanged. Now known as the transmission model, this form of communication is still the foundation for academic courses in communication theory and practice, and is embedded in most business literature and education that address subjects related to workplace communication, organization behavior and culture, leadership, and conflict resolution. But what if this accepted model of communication was incomplete? Re-Making Communication at Work argues that the transmission model of communication needs to be replaced by a new approach to communication. Sostrin challenges the status quo by exposing the most common myths that inaccurately define successful communication at work. These misperceptions are replaced by a set of core principles that deliver a clear mandate for re-making communication at work. Sostrin not only provides the theoretical foundation for this new approach, but he uses a straightforward model and exercises that demonstrate how managers, students, and consultants can powerfully improve relationships, decision-making, and collaboration with a few lines and circles.

"Sostrin brings contemporary trends in communication theory to the workplace in a clear and practical manner. He shows why organizations must abandon dated views of communication and adopt a new perspective. If you read this book, you will never look at communication the same way again. Try it!" - Stephen W. Littlejohn, Lecturer of Communication and Journalism, University of New Mexico, USA

"If you're interested in maximizing your organization's competitive edge, this book is for you! Sostrin offers a new and compelling understanding of communication that is at the heart of organizational effectiveness and satisfaction. The concepts, examples, and practices provide a useful guide to deconstructing unwanted communication patterns, remaking new ones, and significantly improving the quality and outcomes of organizational life." - Kim Pearce, Retired Professor, De Anza College, USA; Co-Founder and President, CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution

"Re-Making Communication at Work offers a clear and compelling alternative to the transmission model of communication that is so deeply entrenched in our theories of organizational communication. Using plain language, vivid illustrations, and thoughtful explanation, Sostrin speaks to students, scholars and practitioners alike as he challenges them to move beyond their old ways of conceptualizing and espousing effective communication practices." - Lacy McNamee, Professor of Communication, Baylor University,USA

"The volume offers a refreshing new approach to quality organizational communication by exposing the common myths of communication and asking fundamentally different questions. The reader is asked to identify unwanted patterns of interaction and taught how to design more satisfying and productive patterns that match the values and goals of the organization." - Stan Deetz, Professor and Director, Center for the Study of Conflict, Collaboration and Creative Governance and the Peace and Conflict Studies Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA

"Sostrin highlights the power of communication to construct new forms of relating to and working within organizations. Communication is much more than simply getting one's point across clearly. The patterns of communication we create with each other makes our organizational identities, relationships, and cultures in organizations. Sostrin's book highlights the complexity we confront when changing and creating new patterns of communication and the tools that people need to make better organizations through communication." - J. Kevin Barge, Professor of Communications, Texas A&M University, USA

Jesse Sostrin is the Founder and President of Sostrin Consulting, a leadership and organization development firm that maintains a diverse portfolio of clients and partners, including the University of Arizona, InfoGard Laboratories, Hyatt, and more. Sostrin is also an experienced academic, delivering lectures at the California Polytechnic State University, USA, The University of Arizona, USA, and the University of California at Davis, USA, among others. He has a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems, and an MA in Organization Management & Development. He is the author of Beyond the Job Description .