THE emergence of these modern communication channels poses a challenge to us all, as leaders in our own respective fields. The challenge is how we could make use of these available modern communication channels to strengthen and develop our respective organizations, without losing our inter-personal relationships and our humanity.

We believe that what is important for us, at this time, is to analyze the future impacts of these modern and sophisticated communication channels on our organization, community and nations. It is our strong belief that the weakening of interpersonal relationships, resulting from the presence of these modern communication channels, will soon create some deadly effects on the unity, cohesion and dynamism of our organizations and communities and our nation, as a whole.

Cebu inmates' tribute to Michael Jackson
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The power and clarity of message are dependent upon how the people react

The power and clarity of the message and whether or not they are conveyed effectively are indicated by the way the receiver translates its given import into action, meaning the clarity and the effectiveness of the message depend on the responses and reactions of the receiver.

To demonstrate our point, this story is worth telling.

Sun Tzu, who by means of his book on the Art of War, secured an audience with Ho-lu, King of Wu.

Ho-lu said: "I have read your thirteen chapters, Sir, in their entirety. Can you conduct a minor experiment in control of the movement of troops?" Clearly, the King wanted to test Sun Tzu's communication skills.

Sun Tzu replied: "I can."

Ho-lu asked: "Can you conduct this test using women?"

Sun Tzu said: "Yes."

The King thereupon agreed and sent from the palace one hundred and eighty beautiful women.

Sun Tzu divided them into two companies and put the King's two favorite concubines in command. He instructed them all how to hold halberds. He then said: "Do you know where the heart is, and where the right and left hands and the back are?"

The women said: "We know."

Sun Tzu said: "When I give the order 'Front', face in the direction of the heart; when I say 'Left', face forward the left hand; when I say 'Right' toward the right; When I say 'Rear', face in the direction of your backs."

The women said: "We understand."

When these regulations had been announced, the executioner's weapons were arranged.

Sun Tzu then gave the orders three times and explained them four times, after that he beat on the drum the signal "Face Right." The women all roared with laughter.

Sun Tzu said: "If regulations are not clear and orders not thoroughly explained, it is the commander's fault." He then repeated the orders three times and explained them five times, and gave the drum signal to face to the left. The women again burst in laughter.

Sun Tzu again said: "If instructions are not clear and commands not explicit, it is the commander's fault." But when they have been made clear, and are not carried out in accordance with military law, it is a crime on the part of the officers. He then ordered that the commanders of the right and left ranks, who happened to be the King's concubines, beheaded. (To be continued)

BY THE WAY, there is no other medium I consider more effective in thanking Environment Secretary, Lito Atienza, for freeing my family in Barangay Amparo, Patnongon, Antique from the claws of few bureaucratic vultures and termites pestering DENR-Antique and DENR-Western Visayas, in Iloilo City.

Sun.Star has local publications in all major economic and political centers all throughout the country; and all these publications are viewed worldwide through our efficiently and efficaciously designed website, www.sunstar.com.ph.

National government agencies, including Malacañang, are making use of the website to update themselves of the current happenings, including economic and political trends in the various regions and corridors in the country.

In fact, when, at the height of the ZTE-NBN controversy, I wrote a column exposing the sham and fakery of Jun Lozada, my former colleague in the civil society movement who has a contact in Gloria’s cabinet told me that certain segment of Malacañang appreciated it.

I am anti-statist in orientation because of my activist past, but when I wrote an appeal to Secretary Atienza, I have no doubt that, despite the money of our adversaries, justice would in the end prevail for I am fully aware of his unwavering sense of fairness and fair play.