Kara LongwellJuly 11, 2011Kara LongwellJuly 11, 2011

Table of contents

What is communication? … 3Understanding the process … 4Importance of communication … 7Reflection: What makes an effective leader? … 10Factors found in great communicators … 11Active Listening … 12Feedback … 14Stephen Covey -The Indian Talking Stick … 15Barriers to communication … 17Nonverbal behaviors …18Summary…20Questions … 21Work Cited … 22

It is sending, giving, or exchanging information and ideas which can be expressed nonverbally and verbally.

What is Communication?

(What is the Definition of Communication).

Understanding the Process

Sender ReceiverChannel

Feedback

Noise

Thought: Information such as a concept, idea, or feeling. Encoding: A message is sent to a receiver by words or symbols.Decoding: The receiver translates the meaning into information that can be understood.Feedback: The sender and receiver confirm what the other has said and gives their input. (Communication and Leadership).

Feedback

How important is communication in the world of leadership?

Without effective communication, you cannot lead.

You end up taking a walk on your own.

Think about your own boss. What made you want to follow their lead?

Active ListeningFeedbackEmpatheticAbility to relate to othersOpen communicationBeing aware of barriers Knowing the nonverbal behaviors

Does your leader posses qualities that make them an effective communicator?

The key to effective communication is listening.

“Empathic listening is with the ears, eyes, and heart - for feeling, for meaning.”

Active ListeningTo be a good communicator, you must listen.

•Clarify & ask questions when you are unsure about something.•Reflect & summarize what you hear to avoid misunderstandings.•Spend more time listening than talking. •Do not finish the sentences of others. •Don’t become preoccupied with your own thoughts.•Do not dominate the conversations; let the other speaker talk. •Plan responses after the others have finished speaking.•Analyze by looking at all factors and ask open-ended questions. (Kanchier)

FeedbackThe purpose of feedback is to alter messages so the intention of the original communicator is understood by the second communicator.

Evaluative: Making a judgment about the person's statement. Interpretive: Paraphrasing- attempting to explain what the other person's statement means. Supportive: Attempting to backup the other communicator.Probing: Gain additional information or clarify a point. Understanding: Discover what the other communicator means by her statements. Great

idea!(Kanchier).

Listening and Feedback: The Indian Talking Stick

In this video Stephen Covey describes how the talking stick is a powerful communication technique. While you have the stick:

No one can say anything.

No one can make a point.

Can only ask questions to make

you feel understood.

Once you feel understood,

pass the stick.

You are quiet and listen with

empathy.

What happens when we use the talking stick?

Defensive negative energy is transformed.

Creative transforming energy is created.

Our worth and potential are expressed.

(Covey, 2007)

Barriers to Communication •Culture, background, and bias- Ethnic, religious, & social differences.•Noise — Environmental noise that interferes or causes distraction. •Ourselves —oDefensiveness we feel someone is attacking us.oSuperiority we feel we know more than the other.o Ego we are the center of the activity.

•Perception — Our attitudes affect our ability to listen.•Stress — People do not see things the same when under stress.

(Communication and Leadership).

Eye contact Facial Expressions

Posture & body

languageProximity Vocal

Nonverbal Behaviors in Communication

Anything that prevents understanding of the message.

(Communication and Leadership).

Body Language Speaks Louder than Words

The message you convey:Words 7%Nonverbal 93 %(Ramsey).

Summary

•Understand communication verbally and nonverbally.•Process of communication: idea, encoding, decoding, & feedback.•Be aware of the importance this skill has in the role of leadership.•Look to other effective leaders for qualities and characteristics.•Achieve active listening by being empathetic.•Provide beneficial feedback.•Use Stephen Covey’s powerful technique: The Indian Talking Stick.•Overcome the barriers of communication.•Know body language speaks louder than words.

Questions?

Work Cited

Communication and Leadership. (n.d.). Retrieved July 9, 2011, from Big Dog and Little Dog's Performance: http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadcom.htmlCovey, S. (2007, March 6). Stephen Covey: Indian Talking Stick . Retrieved July 10, 2011, from You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUxi- Zc45tA&feature=youtu.beKanchier, C. (n.d.). Be an Effective Communicator. Retrieved July 7, 2011, from Power to Change: http://powertochange.com/world/effectivecommunication/Ramsey, L. (n.d.). Business Know How. Retrieved July 6, 2011, from Body Language Speaks

Louder Than Words : http://www.businessknowhow.com/growth/body-language.htmWhat is the Definition of Communication? (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2011, from Relationship with Self: http://www.relationship-with-self.com/definitionofcommunication.html