Leading through effective communication - Term Paper Example

 Leading through effective communication Table of Contents Introduction 3 Leadership Styles and Personality Traits 3 Communication styles and methods in effective leadership 4 Conclusion 6 Reference 8 Introduction Leaders must be able to communicate effectively. Good communication skills account for one of the most important skills that leaders and managers must possess. Given the extensive time that leaders and managers are found to spend on communicating in the business show how crucial communication is in making the concept of leadership effective. However, leadership styles are found to be different for different personality traits and so does the communication styles of leaders. The project seeks to bring forth the different modes of communication that leaders use in different situations. In this context special emphasis is provided to communication required for resolving conflicts, negotiating, overcoming cross cultural barriers, solving problems etc. The focus is to highlight on creating a high impact communication style which contributes towards effective leadership. Leadership Styles and Personality Traits The four personality traits include sanguine, choleric, melancholy and phlegmatic personality styles of which phlegmatic would be discussed elaborately. Certain relationships are found to exist between the different types of personalities and their leadership styles. It is generally seen that the sanguine type of personality is associated with either democratic or authoritarian leadership styles. More democratic attitude is found among the sanguine personality types while a more authoritarian style of leadership style can be seen among the choleric personalities. Persons having characteristics of a melancholy personality can be associated with situational leadership styles. Lastly the phlegmatic personalities are found to possess leissez-faire leadership styles. Broadly speaking personalities can be divided into two types, namely extroverts and introverts. The choleric and the sanguine personality types are generally found to be extroverted while the melancholy and phlegmatic personality styles are found to be introverts (Ricketts & Ricketts, 2010, p.56). These particular personality traits are seen to be agreeable and easy going, soft hearted, reliable and are found to be good listeners (Ricketts & Ricketts, 2010, p.57). Although indecisive and less manipulative, this personality style makes for good leaders. Strong communication and an accommodating nature is what accounts for the strengths of these leaders. Communication styles and methods in effective leadership The importance of effective communication is especially felt while leading a group. The need for purposeful transfer of meaning to influence a person or a group of persons account is especially crucial for effective leadership. In other words it can be said that communication acts as a tool which is used by the leaders and it is the degree of successful use of this tool which determines how effective would be the leadership. Communication in leadership comprises of the entire range of resources and communication skills for creating and delivering messages across the two parties, overcoming interferences, directing, motivating and inspiring others for actions. As commented by Axelrod (2006), effective leadership is largely a matter of effective communication (Barrett, 2006, p.5). According to the views of Mayfield and Mayfield (2004), effective leaderships employ such communication process which motivates employees to accomplish their tasks. It is the communication style of leadership which helps to gain commitment towards the organizational purpose and mission (Jolley, 2010, p.25). According to Bass (1990), the participative style of leadership was associated with a high degree of honest, open, informal and two way communication. This particular style of communication is especially effective in resolving conflicts providing a common platform for the two parties to present their grievances against each other and generating a solution to the problem. Negotiations can also be facilitated through open and honest communication. This is mainly because the participative style of leadership allows both the parties to bring forth their views and participate in the discussions. According to Cooper and Sawaf (1998), the transformational leadership style displays the ability to communicate with precision, power of execution and the ability to takes risks. The reciprocal approach to communication is essentially effective in this particular leadership style for overcoming cross cultural barriers that might be prevalent in the organization. Since this particular style of leadership seeks about radical changes in the organization, it is mostly efficient in removing barriers or interferences which might exist in the process. Differences in cultures, values and morals might generate resistances in organizations in implementing changes. In such cases communication skills allow the members to speak for themselves and present their problems. This communication style simultaneously works towards attaining the organizational goals ad missions. As mentioned the choleric and the sanguine personality types can demonstrate charismatic leadership styles consequently demonstrating a charismatic communication style. This communication style is mostly aimed at attaining task accomplishments and is goal driven. However, this style does not necessarily enhance a two way negotiation and feedback system. Thus it falls short while resolving conflicts or while negotiating. Its main objective is to attain high levels of task performance and tends to ignore problems or interferences arising in the circumstances. This communication style is found to be highly effective in the military contexts and organizations. Although essentially effective in attaining high organizational performance and productivity this particular communication style generally leaves the group members dissatisfied and discontented (Miner, 2005, p.352). One way communication style is generally used by the authoritarian leaders where a clear distinction is maintained between the leaders and followers. This is best described as a descriptive or directive style of communication where followers are given complete guidelines as to how to accomplish the tasks. The communication style is also found to be manipulative or persuasive which generally yields high productivity but creates greater hostility, aggression, discontentment and low commitment among the followers. In recent organizations this communication style has almost become insignificant and purposeless. A two way and participative communication process has become imperative to manage the wide and diverse backgrounds of employee. Also the fact that employees are given opportunity to participate in the decision making has allowed removing many problems and hurdles in the form of organizational conflicts. Cross cultural barriers etc (Ruddick, 2009, p.93). Conclusion The study reveals that communication is a predominant requirement in effective leadership. However, communication styles are different for different people depending on their personalities they display and the characteristics that they demonstrate. It is also apparent that leadership styles are shaped by the personalities that individuals possess and thus consequently the communication style that they use. However, according to the views of researchers and authors, irrespective of the leadership styles that an individual demonstrate the need for effective communication is an absolutely essential for effective leadership. Moreover, with globalization and organizational structures becoming highly complex and attracting talents from all over the world, organizations are working with people belonging to diverse cultural backgrounds. Thus the levels of differences and conflicts have also gone up. Thus leaders demonstrating the power to resolve conflicts, and overcome communication and cultural barrier and high negotiating skills are found to be most successful in leading followers. Thus among all the leadership styles the participative style is recommended in today’s organizations. This demonstrates an open and honest form of communication style which allows both parties to confront and communicate with each other. It emphasises greatly on resolving organizational conflicts by providing a common platform for all to present their grievances and problems and consequently arriving at a suitable solution. Most importantly because of the diverse backgrounds that employees come from this communication style is effective in amalgamating them into a single unit and representing them as a single entity by overcoming the cultural and moral barriers. This is where the participative style of communication style has extra edge over the directive and charismatic styles of communication even though the latter is more effective in attaining higher productivity and organizational performance. Reference Barrett, D. J. (2006). Leadership Communication: A Communication Approach for Senior-Level Managers. Retrieved on November 04, 2011 from http://scholarship.rice.edu/bitstream/handle/1911/27037/Leadership%20Communication%20-%20A%20Communication%20Approach%20for%20Senior-Level%20Managers%20-%20Barrett.pdf?sequence=2. Jolley, C. S. (2010). Skills That Contribute to the Successful Leadership of Hispanic Immigrants in the United States: A Case Study. AuthorHouse. Miner, J. B. (2005). Organizational behavior one: Essential theories of motivation and leadership. M.E. Sharpe. Ricketts, C. & Ricketts, J. C. (2010). Leadership: Personal Development and Career Success. Cengage Learning. Ruddick, G. E. (2009). Intergenerational leadership communication in the workplace. ProQuest. Read More