Pattern of Communication followed by Mr. John:
Mr. John is following the pattern of bypassing or skipping the chain of command in his communication by directly consulting the principal about his problem, ignoring the Headmistress who is his immediate superior. This pattern is commonly known as "bypassing" in communication.

Other Patterns of Communication:

1. Upward Communication:
Upward communication refers to the flow of information from subordinates to superiors within an organizational hierarchy. It allows employees to share their ideas, suggestions, feedback, and problems with their superiors. This pattern of communication is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment and ensuring that the concerns of employees are addressed. In Mr. John's case, if he had followed upward communication, he would have directly approached his immediate superior, the Headmistress, with his problems regarding the teaching policy. This would have allowed the Headmistress to address his concerns and potentially find a solution.

2. Lateral Communication:
Lateral communication refers to the exchange of information, ideas, and feedback between individuals or departments at the same level of hierarchy within an organization. It promotes collaboration, coordination, and problem-solving among peers or colleagues. In Mr. John's situation, if he had opted for lateral communication, he could have discussed his problems regarding the teaching policy with his colleagues who are also facing similar issues. They could have collectively approached the Headmistress or other relevant authorities to address the concerns and propose potential solutions. Lateral communication can be a valuable tool for sharing experiences, seeking advice, and finding common ground among colleagues.

Conclusion:
Effective communication is vital for the smooth functioning of any organization. While bypassing may seem like a quick solution for individuals to directly communicate with higher authorities, it can disrupt the chain of command and create confusion within the organization. It is important for individuals like Mr. John to consider the appropriate pattern of communication, such as upward communication or lateral communication, to ensure that their concerns are effectively addressed and the organizational hierarchy is respected.

The pattern of communication used above is Inverted-V.