It is therefore vital that our employees learn to communicate effectively not only with their superiors, but also with each other. Effective interpersonal communication will also stimulate the creative process much more effectively, which will help us to meet industry challenges like the ones before us now. The strength of a company is in its employees. The strength of employees is in their communication skills. For managers, the suggestion is a number of initial meetings on a weekly basis to discuss the results of employee training and the way forward for the various communication components that will be optimal for the company. It is suggested that these meetings be held for one hour per week for four consecutive weeks. Thereafter, regular meetings could be held on a bi-weekly or monthly basis. These meetings should include various components: 1) the company's strategic plan for the immediate future; 2) the strategic plan for the long-term future; 3) Strategies to communicate these plans to employees; 4) Soliciting creative employee ideas to meet industry challenges; 5) Choosing the best ideas provided by employees; 6) Rewarding the ideas.

The cost of these meetings should cover printed materials for the board members, as well as beverages and snacks. The total is estimated to be around $250 per delegate.

My experience at HiFli has been that, in addition to the level barrier and due consideration for their creative ideas, employees tend to feel underappreciated once their ideas are indeed accepted. This can be remedied by a reward system. Teams can be assembled to work on each particular challenge. The team with the best or most cost-effective solution can then be rewarded in any of several possible ways, to be discussed during board meetings. This could include a paid weekend retreat for team members and their families, a financial reward such as a merit bonus, or promotion for team leaders. The way in which these rewards are communicated should motivate...

While all employees have computers, email, and the Internet, there is no company-wide system for communicating among employees. Although there is a public Website that explains the company's goals and mission, an intranet system can be useful in terms effective communication. A company Website that contains information about employee positions, the way in which these positions benefit the company's goals, and the various work descriptions of managers, among other information, can be useful in terms of helping employees understand the benefits of their work more clearly. This can contribute greatly towards employee motivation.
In addition, the Website could also include an "idea form," by means of which individuals are encouraged to submit their creative and strategic ideas for consideration by management. These ideas can also be subject to the reward system, and should be discussed by board members during their regular meetings.

The site should only be accessible to employees and contain specific information to enhance the communication system of the company as a whole. Because the technology is already available, the only cost involved in this implementation should only be the work hours of the it department. It is estimated that the creation of such a Website will not require external expertise. Furthermore, training should be minimal, as employees are all experienced in using information technology for both communication and research.

In conclusion, I feel that HiFli's communication systems can be greatly enhanced with only a minor investment in terms of time and funding. When compared to the potential advantages in the competitive market, these costs should be mitigated within a few months. I believe that HiFli has one of the most creative, highly professional workforces in the industry. Effective communication can make…