Trading the Gift Of Gab for Real Communication As leaders, we should strive to communicate in a manner that has a positive impact on followers. After all, effective communication and positive leader-follower relationships are synonymous with organizational success (Northouse, 2013). How often do we think about (1) the importance of understanding communication concepts as it relates to the leader-follower relationship, (2) evaluating our own communication effectiveness and (3) improving our communication for that matter? On the other hand, maybe we believe the gift of gab is “real” communication!
The Gift of Gab As a woman, I love to talk and I can ramble on for what seems like an eternity to others. I guess some might say that I have the …show more content…
No longer is the focus on the leader but rather on how communication affects followers. The following concepts will help to put you on the right rack to leader-follower communication.
Leader-Follower Communication Concepts Proverbs 4:21 and Covey (Covey, 2013) states if you want to be understood, then you should seek to understand others first. As Christian leaders, we know the first step to any change is to pray for wisdom (James 1:5). Next we need to understand how communication affects followers actions and ultimately, organizational success. Let’s take a look at a few communication concepts that will shed light on what we need to know.
The Transactional Model. As leader-communicators, the transactional model of communication will help us understand the circular process of communication. This concept begins by understanding how to transfer predetermined symbols called language in a conscious manner that (1) creates meaning and a shared reality through manipulation; (2) communicates information and expectancy regarding the past, present and future; (3) analyzes current conditions; and (4) sets future agendas (Hackman & Johnson, 2003, p. …show more content…
Most of us have heard the expression, “thinking outside the box,” which allows us to re-think our position or philosophy regarding a specific concept or belief. Systems thinking is a metaphor that will help us accomplish thinking outside the box to see the big picture. It is an open system, much like you and I, that lives, breathes, has a 360° flow of information, and interdependence on others and our environment (Eisenberg & Goodall, 2014). These seemingly unrelated but interrelated components affect our perceptions and goals while requiring feedback and order (Eisenberg & Goodall, 2014, p. 95). The most important function of systems thinking is that it uncovers the hidden icebergs or information (Senge, 2006) that helps create “a new connection between communicating and organizing” (Eisenberg & Goodall, 2014), which is a continuous and circular process. The advantages and benefits of incorporating the philosophy systems thinking includes: (1) as an open system, promotes elimination of restricting barriers; (2) it promotes environmental scanning; (3) monitoring of outside organizations (e.g., competitors, regulatory agencies, global economies, suppliers) and (4) it promotes internal and external networking by employees leading to innovation and new business opportunities (Eisenberg & Goodall,
The Gift of Gab As a woman, I love to talk and I can ramble on for what seems like an eternity to others. I guess some might say that I have the …show more content…
No longer is the focus on the leader but rather on how communication affects followers. The following concepts will help to put you on the right rack to leader-follower communication.
Leader-Follower Communication Concepts Proverbs 4:21 and Covey (Covey, 2013) states if you want to be understood, then you should seek to understand others first. As Christian leaders, we know the first step to any change is to pray for wisdom (James 1:5). Next we need to understand how communication affects followers actions and ultimately, organizational success. Let’s take a look at a few communication concepts that will shed light on what we need to know.
The Transactional Model. As leader-communicators, the transactional model of communication will help us understand the circular process of communication. This concept begins by understanding how to transfer predetermined symbols called language in a conscious manner that (1) creates meaning and a shared reality through manipulation; (2) communicates information and expectancy regarding the past, present and future; (3) analyzes current conditions; and (4) sets future agendas (Hackman & Johnson, 2003, p. …show more content…
Most of us have heard the expression, “thinking outside the box,” which allows us to re-think our position or philosophy regarding a specific concept or belief. Systems thinking is a metaphor that will help us accomplish thinking outside the box to see the big picture. It is an open system, much like you and I, that lives, breathes, has a 360° flow of information, and interdependence on others and our environment (Eisenberg & Goodall, 2014). These seemingly unrelated but interrelated components affect our perceptions and goals while requiring feedback and order (Eisenberg & Goodall, 2014, p. 95). The most important function of systems thinking is that it uncovers the hidden icebergs or information (Senge, 2006) that helps create “a new connection between communicating and organizing” (Eisenberg & Goodall, 2014), which is a continuous and circular process. The advantages and benefits of incorporating the philosophy systems thinking includes: (1) as an open system, promotes elimination of restricting barriers; (2) it promotes environmental scanning; (3) monitoring of outside organizations (e.g., competitors, regulatory agencies, global economies, suppliers) and (4) it promotes internal and external networking by employees leading to innovation and new business opportunities (Eisenberg & Goodall,