ACTIVE COMMUNICATION

SAILORS CREED
Topic: Active Communication

Bio about myself.

Video.

Chiefs encourage open and frank dialog, listen to Sailors and energize the communication flow
up and down the chain of command. This will increase unit efficiency, mission readiness, and
mutual respect.

1. In your own words define ‘Active Communication’.

2-way communication where both people are speaking in a way that it is easy to understand
one another and both people are providing feedback.

2. As a FCPO and future Chief, how do you encourage open and frank dialog within your
division?
Greet people, ask them how their day is going, be genuine, make them realize that open and
frank communication doesn’t mean being disrespectful, it is meant to be a tool used to
convey how you really feel and instead saying the standard Navy answer to everything.
Be not judgmental.

3. Give examples of ways to energize communication flow.

Ask open ended questions, not yes or no ones, you are essentially letting them do all of the
talking. Let them know the topic beforehand so they have time to think about it and provide
feedback. Show interest in the topic. Develop trust and rapport.

4. In the MVGPs it states that active communication will increase unit efficiency, mission
readiness, and mutual respect. How and why is this?
No loss of man-hours due to communication, which will make everything happen at a more
efficient pace. You gain respect by practicing active communication etiquette.

5. What are some best practices that you have seen that enhanced the flow of
communication up and down the chain of command?
Understand the point of view of the other person. Be clear and concise. Provide feedback.

6. With regards to communication, why is a difference of opinion, in some cases, a good

thing?
No one knows everything.

7. When addressing Sailors in large group forums what are some do‘s and don‘ts
with regards to communication?
Make sure you remove the barriers. The environment, your technical language, tone of your voice,
engage the crowd to keep them interested.
8. What do you think is meant by the saying, ‘Silence is Golden’? How can not
saying anything be beneficial?
Active Listening- listen with your body ,be alert, don’t interrupt. Are you aware of your non-verbal
communication? Provide eye contact, watch your facial expressions, posture. If we were meant to
talk more than listen, we would have two mouths and one ear!!

9. When conducting one-on-one counseling, outline different methods you can apply to enhance
the communication flow.
Open ended questions lets them essentially run the counseling sessions. Empathize. Tell them your
story on the problem. Ask for help from a brother/sister if you have no experience in the problem.
Show interest. Make the Sailor comfortable with you. Attain credibility. Remember that not everyone
wants advice or solutions; they just want to be heard.

10. In the following situations how do you communicate your opinion if it differs from what is
being discussed:
a. All-hands call
b. FCPO Mess meeting
c. Division Quarters
d. One-on-one counseling
How does your tone, body language and professionalism change?

11. In the following situations how do you communicate your opinion if it differs from what is
being discussed:
a. CPO Mess meeting
b. Chiefs and/or Officers call

How does your tone, body language and professionalism change?