Communication is Irreversible

This communication principle states that one should remember once you speak, you cannot take back what had been said. Because of this, you should always think before you speak on how this could affect you in the present as well as in the future.  “Every communication event is likely to have influences on all future communication events.” (Kreps, 2011. p 14).  You have to take in to consideration on how to word what you want to say so that you are able to speak effectively without doing any damage.

This principle is very important in organizational communication. As co-workers, colleagues, and managers you want to ensure that you deliver your message clearly without offending anyone. Whether you get along with someone you work with, you still must respect them professionally. If you speak too quickly, you can damage your work relationship. This can lead to poor teamwork and effect negatively on work. “The messages we send influence future communication as well as the nature of our relationships with others.” (Kreps, 2011. p 14).  If you talk badly to a co-worker this can damage your work relationship and if you ever have to partner with that co-worker, it will be hard to be able to gain trust and accomplish your job.

In organizations that we are a part of, we must remember that we are there for a purpose. To be able to complete our job and do it well, we must put our differences and personal opinions aside and focus on the goal of the organization. Goals cannot be accomplish when work relationships have been damaged due to not thinking before speaking. No matter how you apologize or admit fault, it often is irreparable.

References

Kreps, G. (2011). Communication in Organizations. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.