COM-290 Exam review
First Meeting Question
'Is this meeting NECESSARY?' (vs. email/phone call)
Analytical/Content Listening Style
Focuses on facts, details, evidence, and logical analysis.
Power Distance
How a culture views authority and hierarchy. High = accept unequal power. Low = prefer equality.
Problem-Solving Stages (OCER)
Orientation (Forming), Conflict (Storming), Emergence (Norming), Reinforcement (Performing)
4 Barriers to Listening (PEAF)
Physiological, Environmental, Attitudinal, False Assumptions
4 Praise Guidelines (PSPR)
Prompt, Specific, Praise Progress (not perfection), Relay praise to others.
Virtual Meeting Essential
Send agenda and materials IN ADVANCE. Identify yourself when speaking.
6 Components of Communication Process
Sender → Message → Medium/Channel → Receiver → Feedback + Noise
Disconfirming Message
Signals lack of regard. Says 'I don't care about you.'
Highly-Structured Interview
Standardized questions, limited answers, quantifiable results (e.g., surveys)
Uncertainty Avoidance
Tolerance for ambiguity. High = need rules, structure. Low = comfortable with uncertainty.
Confirming Message
Validates the other person. Says 'You matter.'
Nonverbal Golden Rule
When verbal and nonverbal conflict, people believe the NONVERBAL message.
To Listen for Understanding
Withhold judgment, ask questions, paraphrase, attend to nonverbal cues.
Two Levels of Every Message
1. Content/Instrumental (the information) 2. Relational (feelings about each other)
Interview Architecture Parts
1. Opening (greeting) 2. Body (Q&A) 3. Closing (review, action plan)
4 Types of Noise
1. Physical/External 2. Physiological 3. Psychological 4. Cultural/Semantic
Lateral Leadership Actions
Ask thoughtful questions, offer ideas, take constructive action.
5 Conflict Approaches (AACCC)
Avoid, Accommodate, Compete, Collaborate, Compromise
Sure Path to Leadership Rejection
Being quiet (seen as indifferent), dogmatic, incompetent, or having irritating style.
Best Conflict Approach
COLLABORATE (win-win, merge ideas)
Goal of Selection Interview
Determine FIT - Organizational, Cultural, and Personal fit.
Feminine Language Style
Expressive, supportive, rapport-building. 'How do you feel about that?'
Less-Structured Interview
Flexible agenda, exploratory, conversational (e.g., manager check-in)
People/Relational Listening Style
Focuses on emotions, relationships, and building rapport.
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Individual: Focus on personal goals. Collectivist: Focus on group harmony and goals.
Referent Power
Influence from being liked, admired, or respected by others.
Expert Power
Influence from knowledge, skills, or expertise. Most respected power base.
Masculine Language Style
Instrumental, factual, task-oriented. 'Here's how we fix it.'
Leader's Key Responsibility
Keep discussion on track using 'relevancy challenges.'
High-Context Culture
Meaning is in context, nonverbal cues, relationships, and social rules. (e.g., Japan)
Low-Context Culture
Meaning is in explicit, spoken words. Direct communication. (e.g., U.S., Germany)
Brainstorming Rule #1
NO criticism or evaluation of ideas during the idea-generation phase.
4 Characteristics of a Work Group
Shared Purpose, Interaction Over Time, Interdependence, Distinct Identity
Triangle of Meaning
Shows no direct word-thing connection. Meaning passes through sender's and receiver's minds.
