ASHT Leadership Group

Teresa BriningerFeb 19, 2009

ObjectivesDefinition and Types of CommunicationsSmall Group CommunicationLarge Group CommunicationCommunication and LeadershipDiscussionQuestions

Improve the effectiveness of an organization through communicationWays of communicationCommunication among board membersCommunication with membership

Understand the benefits of a successful internal communications

Importance of communication in leadership

Is the imparting or exchange of information, ideas or feelings. It is not a one-way process since a message must be received in order for communication to take place

Verbal communicationProcess of transmitting meaning with

words in oral or written expressionNonverbal communication

Process of transmitting meaning in direct contact by all means that are not verbal

Inform, gain consensus, assureTransform ideas into actionProvide direction or instructionClarify expectationsGive or receive feedback

E-mailFace to Face (small group)Video-teleconferencingAvatars (second life)

Convenient Cost-effective InstantaneousCan be “real time” communicationMany people often opt to send an e-mail

rather than to communicate telephonically or in-person

Many non-profit boards meet, present association issues, deliberate and vote by e-mail

Check the message twiceDo not default to reply to allWrite a clear “subject” in the subject lineForwarded messages: explain why you

are forwarding the messageWhen in doubt end email with thanksCompress files before sendingBe concise and to the pointAnswer all questions in an emailAnswer swiftly

Professional and SupportiveCommunicate things done right and things done wrong

Be Specific and Descriptiveinclude concrete examples that all minds can digest. 

Facilitate communicationAssertive ParticipatingListeningNon-verbal communication

Know your factsGet to the pointRespectful of timePresent in an organized mannerClarify / ReflectLeave with a plan, due outs, and timelineExude Confidence

Listening is the key to effective communication

The average person has an attention span of about 8 minutes

Don’t confuse the message and the motive (sometimes it’s better not to say anything)

Your listener is not as impressed with you as you are with you! Practice brutal self-editing

Leadership is all about communicationKnowing whom and what to communicateListening and creating inclusiveness with

the intended audienceMaking complex issues easier to

understandEffective communication reflects

intelligenceInspire with words and actions

Recognize communication styles

ControllingAssertiveReservedFast-PacedStructuredResults orientedPracticalCompetitiveRationalFocusedWell-organizedr

AdvocatingAssertiveResponsiveFast-pacedLoose structuredRecognition-orientedEmotionalRisk tolerantImpatientDynamicChangeable

AnalyzingReceptive ReservedSlow pace StructuredTask-orientedLogicalDetail orientedCautiousThoroughSteady

FacilitatingReceptiveResponsiveSlow pacedLoose structurePeople orientedCooperativeConversationalGood listenerLikes ConversationAvoids Conflict

Know your factsGet to the pointRespectful of timePresent in an organized mannerListen Clarify / ReflectLeave with a plan and timeline

Spend time in “small talk”Ask questionsGet them to talk about themselvesPositive approachGet to the point (focused)Give them guidanceGet their inputOpen to new ideas

Know the factsKnow your topicBe logical rather than emotionalGood PlanningDon’t over emphasize or over promiseDon’t wing itBe focusedNo small talkDon’t push

Slow downBe friendlyListen and be openKeep commitmentsNo pressureUse humor - be personableHuman approach – make them feel

neededPlay up the decision as a partnership

Don’t have a meeting without a purpose. In business: only two reasons to have a

meeting: save time or make moneyTime management

Start on time/end on timeHave an AgendaSummarize key points Establish the to do listAssign “due outs”