Chapter 9: Leadership Communication

Communication Concerns

Electronic communications • When communicating electronically (e.g., email, text message), you may be more easily misunderstood • Can also be perceived as cold, arrogant, insensitive -Face-to-face communication cues are absent (facial expressions, body language, tone of voice) As a leader, make a conscious effort to limit miscommunications and enhance clarity • Try to utilize face-to-face contact for complex and/or delicate issues

Guideline #3: Monitor your nonverbal cues!

Nonverbal communication: Messages sent through actions and/or behavior (e.g., facial expressions, body language) • Can often have a larger effect on others than the message itself! -Research shows that when there are discrepancies between verbal and nonverbal communications, nonverbal communications are given more weight • Communicate a consistent message via leading by example! -"Actions speak louder than words"

Sensegiving

The process of influencing how others make sense of the organization, where they fit within it, and the purpose of their work

Leadership Communication

• Approximately 40% of employees feel "out of the loop" and don't know what's going on in their companies -Lack of effective communication • Sensegiving • Your responsibility as a leader

Guideline #2: Listen first, talk second!

• Approximately 67% of employees reported feeling that their opinion was not welcomed or valued at work • People want to feel valued! -When people feel as if they have been listened to, their liking, trust, and commitment to that person increases • Helps you build rapport and get to know your subordinates • Ultimately helps to increase influence!

Your responsibility as a leader:

• Clearly communicate your vision and goals, as well as the role your subordinates play in the process • Why are their contributions important?

Effective Communication Guidelines

• Guideline #1: Ask questions! • Guideline #2: Listen first, talk second! • Guideline #3: Monitor your nonverbal cues!

Guideline #1: Ask questions!

• Helps you gather information, ideas, and identify problems -Before you can provide clarity to others, you must have clarity yourself! • Helps you better understand your subordinates' needs -Do they have the resources they need to meet the upcoming deadline? -Is there something I can do to better facilitate their work? • Lets your subordinates know that you care about what they think!