Effective Leadership: Communication Strategies Explored

Leadership and Communication

Carrie Priest

ORG300 – Applying Leadership Principles

Colorado State University – Global Campus

Barbara Moyer

October 23, 2016

Leadership and Communication

This paper will explore communication strategies associated with effective leadership and address what Ben Williams will need to do differently to communicate effectively as a leader. “Leadership requires the ability to listen, to speak to, and to direct individuals in a manner productive for all involved, including for the organization” (Gorkman, 2009). The communication strategies I will discuss are as follows: 1) Verbal Communication, 2) Presenting, Communicating Goals and Educating Employees and 3) Critical Thinking. I will explain the importance of

Actively listening to employees and pausing before speaking, shows the speaker their concerns are being heard, prevents miscommunication and allows key information to be delivered. Listening requires active participation and is not the time to develop a response to what is being communicated “You can’t rehearse and listen at the same time” (Schilling, 2012). Pausing allows time for the message being delivered to be absorbed and a thoughtful response to be delivered. Restating the speaker’s words demonstrates the listener is actively engaged in what is being communicated.

Clarifying shows the speaker the listener is genuinely interested in what has been communicated and ensures understanding. Asking open ended questions that begin with “how” or “why” helps provide the additional details needed to understand the speaker and allows the individual to expand on any thoughts. In the YouTube video, 3 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills, (Tracy, 2012) points out that listening builds trust and allows a speaker to feel valued and builds self-esteem. As a result, the listener gains the respect of others.

Presenting, Communicating Goals and Educating

Ben’s hands-off approach with his team has had some serious impacts and will require some work on his part. “The successful leader who engenders success needs to consistently lead a team with sensitivity” (Sohmen, 2013). Recognizing he needs to make changes to his communication style is the first step in improving his leadership skills and promoting teamwork. (Sohmen, 2013) explains that teams require clear objectives, mutual encouragement and trust. The result is familiarity across project teams and the ability to make decisions and develop trust.

References

Gorkman, D. (2009). The "gang of one" analysis: Assessing your managers' leadership abilities. Supervision, 70(7), 12-13

Our Concept and Definition of Critical Thinking. (n.d.). http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/our-concept-of-critical-thinking/411

Schilling, D. (2012, November 9). 10 Steps To Effective Listening – Forbes. http://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2012/11/09/10-steps-to-effective-listening

Sohmen, V. S. (2013). Leadership and teamwork: Two sides of the same coin. Journal of Information Technology & Economic Development, 4(2),