Deborah Tanner's How To Give Orders Like A Man

In the article “How to Give Orders like a Man” Deborah Tanner discusses the pros and cons associated with indirect versus direct communication. To communicate effectively, ideas must be portrayed clearly and concisely to ensure that tasks are completed properly and in a timely manner. While direct instruction will give the subordinate a clear understanding of the task, indirect communication will foster mutual respect and understanding between the subordinate and the superior. However, being fluent in both of these techniques will reap the most benefit and allow for the most efficient form of communication to take place. It is a common belief that taking an indirect approach to giving directions is a sign of frailty. More often than not, this assumption is accompanied by the idea that

Subordinates may fail to recognize the order given by a superior. In a worst-case scenario, the superior may not heed the concerns brought up by a man under his control resulting in an accident. It is imperative that all parties carefully consider all statements made in an indirect manner to ensure that no instructions, expectations, or tasks have slipped through the cracks. In other societies around the world, the most accepted idea to giving orders is that the less instruction given the better. This is believed to show that the individual is mature, intellectual, capable of reading into a situation, while also seeing the higher purpose. It is common for someone to become fixated on a specific style for giving orders. Although this person may become effective at relaying directives in this fashion, it is clearly not the best way to effectively communicate. Our workforce should strive to see the positives found in each technique. A higher level of instruction will be obtained once our leaders can combine these ideas to create a stronger and more well-rounded