Sriram (2014) has developed several rules that could be used by leaders to ensure communication effectiveness. At a personal level, I have used the rules of good listening and planning the conversation ahead of time in my professional undertakings. During the Deans team meetings, for example, I have had the chance to use effective listening skills to develop an adequate perspective or understanding of the main issues of interest that were leading to conflict and lack of cooperation among the team members. This way, I was able to create rapport by creating a two-way communication mechanism through which other members of the team were able to freely express their thoughts and opinions. During similar team meetings, I have had the opportunity to use my agenda planning skills to prepare the main issues that were discussed in these meetings and ensure that members were kept abreast of the main purpose of the meetings ahead of time. The two rules served to enhance the collaboration, teamwork, productivity, and efficiency of the planned meetings.
The capacity to plan the conversion ahead of time is my major strength, while the inability to become aware of most nonverbal cues exhibited by team members is my major weakness. Although I demonstrate good listening skills, I sometimes find it difficult to interpret different nonverbal cues that come from other members of the team, particularly in situations or scenarios requiring the team to be comprised of culturally and ethnically diverse group members. I am positive that I can improve in this area by undertaking more training on nonverbal cues and increasing exposure to culturally diverse populations. Overall, it is possible to continue honing these skills as a leader by maintaining a positive attitude, treating people equally, empathizing with group members to understand their viewpoints, and showing awareness of other people’s emotions, values, and attitudes.
References
Cooper, D.J., & Sutter, M. (2011). Role selection and team performance. Web.
Sriram, P. (2014). The art of leadership communication: Six rules for effective communication. Leadership Excellence, 31, 54-55. Web.