Chapter 11 Communication Takeaways

Communicating in the Workplace

Good Communicators...

  • Work well in teams
  • Enhance client satisfaction
  • Build public awareness
  • Make good leaders
  • Inspire others

Mistakes to Avoid at Work

  • Making fun of people
  • Oversharing
  • Overlooking cultural differences
  • Gossiping
  • Doing less than your best
  • Losing your cool
  • Fixating on a mistake

Ways to Communicate in a Professional Manner Online

  • Take part in training.
  • Develop camaraderie.
  • Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Avoid curt-sounding messages.
  • Email with caution.
  • Don't convey sensitive information electronically.
  • Dress for the camera.
  • Pay attention.

Leadership Strategies

  • Leaders needn't be born with particular traits.
  • The Managerial Grid defines leaders in terms of their emphasis on tasks and relationships.
  • Transformational leaders recruit strong team members and support their efforts.

Working with a Difficult Boss

  • Put in extra effort.
  • Make up the difference.
  • Seek advice from others.
  • Try to clarify and improve the situation.
  • Manage your expectations.
  • Keep a professional demeanor.
  • Consider moving on.

Steps to Leave a Job Without Burning Bridges

  • Put it in writing.
  • Deliver the news personally.
  • Share the news graciously.
  • Help with the transition.
  • Stay positive.

Types of Power in the Workplace

  • Legitimate (formal role)
  • Expert (knowledge)
  • Connection (relationships)
  • Reward (positive reinforcement)
  • Coercive (bad consequences)
  • Referent (likeable)

Communication in Small Groups

Group members are motivated by group and individual goals.

Rules and roles (both offical and unspoken) influence teams.

Groups Can Be Good Problem Solvers Because They...

  • Have resources
  • Can catch errors
  • Enhance buy-in
  • Have diverse ideas
  • Can solve some problems very well

Stages in Decision-Making Groups

  • Orientation
  • Conflict
  • Emergence
  • Reinforcement

Make the Most of Group Meetings

  • Encourage equal participation.
  • Avoid information underload and overload.
  • Avoid pressure to conform.
  • Make the most of diversity.

Structured Problem Solving

  • Identify the problem.
  • Analyze the problem.
  • Identify criteria for success.
  • Gather relevant information.
  • Consider forces for and against.
  • Develop creative solutions.
  • Evaluate possible solutions.
  • Implement the plan.
  • Follow up on the solution.

Ways to Reach a Group Decision

  • Reach consensus.
  • Let the majority decide.
  • Rely on the experts.
  • Let a few members decide.
  • Honor authority rule.
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