In any organization, communication plays a critical role in ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and objectives are met. While most people are familiar with upward and downward communication between employees and management, there’s another important form of communication known as crosswise communication. This type of communication occurs between individuals or departments at the same level in the organizational hierarchy. Understanding what crosswise communication means and seeing a real-world example can offer insights into how organizations function more smoothly when this type of communication is used effectively.
Understanding Crosswise Communication
Definition and Characteristics
Crosswise communication, also referred to as horizontal communication, refers to the flow of information between peers, colleagues, or departments that operate at the same level within an organization. It is not about giving orders or receiving directives from superiors or subordinates, but rather about sharing information, solving problems collaboratively, or coordinating efforts across departments or teams.
- Occurs between employees at the same organizational level
- Facilitates cooperation and coordination
- Reduces misunderstandings and information silos
- Can be formal or informal in nature
Importance of Crosswise Communication
This type of communication helps improve the overall efficiency of an organization. It encourages teamwork, builds relationships among departments, and enhances problem-solving by bringing different perspectives together. Crosswise communication is especially critical in matrix-style organizations, where employees may report to multiple managers or collaborate on cross-functional teams.
Example of Crosswise Communication in the Workplace
A Marketing and Sales Department Scenario
Imagine a company that is preparing to launch a new product. The marketing department is responsible for creating promotional campaigns, while the sales department is tasked with closing deals and generating revenue from that product. Both departments need to be in sync to ensure a successful launch.
Here’s how crosswise communication plays a role:
- The marketing manager schedules a meeting with the sales manager to discuss the campaign timeline and how it aligns with sales goals.
- They exchange data on market trends, customer feedback, and previous sales performance.
- The sales team suggests adjusting the promotional messaging based on customer objections they’ve encountered.
- The marketing team agrees to revise the materials and even schedules follow-up meetings to check on the campaign’s progress.
In this scenario, neither manager is giving direct orders to the other. They are collaborating as equals to achieve a shared goal. This is a textbook example of crosswise communication in action.
Cross-Functional Team Example
Consider a software company working on a new application. A cross-functional team is formed, including members from product development, customer support, and user experience design. Each member shares their expertise to contribute to the overall project.
- The UX designer shares insights from user testing with the developers.
- The customer support lead points out recurring issues from past product versions.
- The developers adjust their coding priorities based on this shared feedback.
This peer-level communication among team members enhances the product and minimizes errors before launch. Everyone operates on the same level, sharing information freely without hierarchy. This is another strong example of crosswise communication.
Benefits of Crosswise Communication
Improved Collaboration
Crosswise communication encourages collaboration across departments. It allows professionals with different skills to contribute to a project, often leading to more innovative solutions and better outcomes.
Faster Problem-Solving
When employees at the same level communicate directly, issues can be addressed quickly without having to go through multiple layers of approval. This speeds up decision-making and enhances responsiveness.
Reduction in Work Duplication
Effective crosswise communication reduces the chance of duplicate work. For example, if two departments are unknowingly working on similar initiatives, communication between them can lead to coordination rather than redundancy.
Boosted Morale and Engagement
When teams communicate openly and collaboratively, it fosters a sense of belonging and respect. Employees feel valued and more engaged when their ideas are considered and implemented.
Challenges in Crosswise Communication
Lack of Clarity
Since crosswise communication often involves different departments with varying terminologies and processes, there can be misunderstandings if information is not clearly presented.
Departmental Silos
Some organizations have deeply embedded silos that discourage interdepartmental communication. These silos hinder crosswise communication and limit the sharing of information and ideas.
Resistance to Change
Employees who are used to a top-down communication style may resist horizontal interactions. This can be due to fear of overstepping boundaries or lack of confidence in initiating peer-level conversations.
Improving Crosswise Communication
Encourage Interdepartmental Meetings
Regular meetings between departments foster familiarity and trust. When teams know each other personally, communication becomes more natural and productive.
Implement Collaborative Tools
Using digital tools like project management software, shared drives, and communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) can make it easier for employees to connect and share information instantly.
Define Shared Goals
When departments or individuals share common objectives, they are more likely to communicate and collaborate. Leaders should emphasize organizational goals that require cross-departmental efforts.
Provide Communication Training
Training programs that focus on communication skills can help employees feel more comfortable engaging with peers across different functions. These programs can also help in developing empathy and understanding other perspectives.
Examples Beyond the Corporate Environment
Healthcare Industry
In a hospital setting, crosswise communication may occur between nurses from different departments. For instance, a nurse in the emergency room may discuss a patient’s status with a nurse in the intensive care unit. This ensures continuity of care and prepares the receiving department for what to expect.
Education Sector
Teachers from different grade levels or subject areas may coordinate to ensure their lesson plans support one another. For example, a science teacher and a math teacher might work together to align their curriculum, so students can apply statistical methods learned in math to science experiments.
Construction Projects
In large-scale construction, communication between the plumbing, electrical, and architectural teams is vital. Each team works at the same level but must coordinate to prevent conflicts in design or installation. This crosswise communication helps avoid costly mistakes.
Crosswise communication is a vital yet often underappreciated aspect of organizational communication. By promoting collaboration and direct information exchange among peers or departments, it enhances efficiency, builds team spirit, and drives innovation. Whether in a corporate office, hospital, school, or construction site, effective crosswise communication ensures that everyone works toward the same goal with fewer obstacles. Organizations that invest in nurturing this communication style are better equipped to adapt, grow, and succeed in today’s complex, interconnected world.
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