Week 22: Leadership & Communication BUSI-1323 OB3: Leadership Successful leadership is not possible without effective communication Role of Communication in Leadership “The leadership relationship is fundamentally grounded in language and rooted in communication processes” (Conger & Kanungo, 1998; Gardner & Avolio, 1998) “Leaders don’t just need a mission – equally important is how they communicate it” (Conger, 1991) Today’s Agenda – – – – – What is Effective Communication? Framing by Leaders Rhetoric & Delivery Charismatic Leadership Language Too much Charisma? • • Follower Impact Authenticity Role of Language in Leadership Language is learned social behaviour Language has two roles: – Communicate Ideas – Negotiate Relationships Framing by Leaders If “leadership is the management of meaning” (Smircich & Morgan, 1982) “…then leadership can be defined as socially constructed, interactionist phenomenon where some (leaders) attempt to frame and define the reality of others (followers)” (Bligh & Hess, 2007) Framing by Leaders Def: Framing refers to the social construction of a social phenomenon Framing by Leaders Framing is the leader’s interpretation of organisational purpose, accompanying values, and beliefs (Conger, 1991) Framing by Leaders Why is framing so important? • • • Influences followers’ perceptions of an opportunity and its outcomes Provides a map for action Determines whether or not followers notice problems, how much they understand them, how they evaluate, and act upon them (Bligh & Hess, 2007; Conger, 1991) Framing by Leaders Values Amplification Values: States of being / Modes of conduct Value Amplification: Process of identifying and elevating certain values as basic to the overall mission (Conger, 1991) People are inspired by values Framing by Leaders Beliefs Amplification Beliefs: Ideas about which factors support or impede actions taken to achieve desired values Belief Categories: - Mission’s Importance - Need for the Mission - Antagonists of the Mission - Efficacy of the Mission  Why important?  Why arisen?  Who is against us?  Why will we succeed? Rhetoric & Delivery The process by which message is communicated is just as important as the framing of it Words; 7% Tone; 38% Body Language 55% Rhetoric & Delivery The process by which message is communicated is just as important as the framing of it Rhetorical Crafting includes: - Repetition & Rhythm - Analogies, Symbols, & Metaphors - Stories - Paralanguage : Body Language & Tone of Voice Rhetoric & Delivery Voice (Tone, Speed, & Rhythm) Margaret Thatcher learned to reduce the higher tone of her voice over the years Barack Obama uses rhythm to engage his audience (builds the voice up + pauses) Rhetoric & Delivery Why are body language and voice so important? Together, they contribute to 93% of communication and particularly important for communicating feelings and attitude They contribute to the liking of the person delivering the message (Mehrabian, 1971) and liking is a principle of persuasion (Cialdini, 2001) Rhetoric & Delivery What happens when verbal & non-verbal are incongruent? When nonverbal and verbal messages are in conflict, perceivers rely on the nonverbal Issues of “Faking” Charismatic Leaders Charismatic leaders – who are visionary, sensitive to their environment and followers, admired, and trustworthy – are communication experts – – Emotional Expressiveness Use of Metaphor • – – charismatic U.S Presidents used twice as many as non-charismatic Presidents (Mio et al., 2005) Verbal Imagery Ability to tailor language to the audience (Bligh & Hess, 2007) Too Much Charisma? Impact on Follower ‘Voice’ By examining the leader’s powerful demeanor as an antecedent to follower voice, research revealed a leadership dilemma: the demeanor which leaders are encouraged to use because of its benefits to their image has the unintended negative consequence of stifling follower voice A leader’s powerful demeanour can diminish employee voice reduces Confident Employee Voice Demeanour which harms Decision Quality Because the leader is perceived as more competent and knowledgeable How to encourage follower voice? Demeanour • Adopt a listening pose Speech • • Ask specific and probing questions Explain why input is important Action • • Wait in silence Carefully consider opposing opinions (Lock & Anderson, 2015) Essential Rule of Communication: Know your audience Adapting Style, Not Just Content Recipient Orientation Style for Effective Message Delivery Promotion-focused Eager Prevention-focused Vigilant (Cesario & Higgins, 2008) Adaptability & Consistency Changing communication style for different audiences is a characteristic of effective leaders but, how can you change your style and still be the same person? Authenticity is Essential Authentic leaders are (George et al (2007) Discovering your authentic leadership) – – – True to themselves Motivated by personal convictions, rather than to attain personal benefits Base their actions on values Practical View on Authenticity (Goffee & Jones, 2006) – – – – Conscientiousness Coherence Consistency Clever conformity The Essence of Adaptability Adapt to But retain your situation values Key Takeaways Effective communication is at the heart of leadership Rhetoric and framing are important leadership skills Embed communication in values Communication skills that can be learned (Conger, 1991) Build authenticity so that you can adapt your style while being true to yourself Readings • • 1) Chapter & (Daft) 2) Conger, J.A 1991 Inspiring others: The language of leadership Academy of Management Executive, 5, 31-45 • • Background Reading: Tannen, D (1995) The power of talk: Who gets heard and why Harvard Business Review, 73(5b), 138-148 [...]... Coherence Consistency Clever conformity The Essence of Adaptability Adapt to But retain your situation values Key Takeaways Effective communication is at the heart of leadership Rhetoric and framing are important leadership skills Embed communication in values Communication skills that can be learned (Conger, 1991) Build authenticity so that you can adapt your style while being true to yourself... silence Carefully consider opposing opinions (Lock & Anderson, 2015) Essential Rule of Communication: Know your audience Adapting Style, Not Just Content Recipient Orientation Style for Effective Message Delivery Promotion-focused Eager Prevention-focused Vigilant (Cesario & Higgins, 2008) Adaptability & Consistency Changing communication style for different audiences is a characteristic of effective leaders... voice over the years Barack Obama uses rhythm to engage his audience (builds the voice up + pauses) Rhetoric & Delivery Why are body language and voice so important? Together, they contribute to 93% of communication and particularly important for communicating feelings and attitude They contribute to the liking of the person delivering the message (Mehrabian, 1971) and liking is a principle of persuasion... conflict, perceivers rely on the nonverbal Issues of “Faking” Charismatic Leaders Charismatic leaders – who are visionary, sensitive to their environment and followers, admired, and trustworthy – are communication experts – – Emotional Expressiveness Use of Metaphor • – – charismatic U.S Presidents used twice as many as non-charismatic Presidents (Mio et al., 2005) Verbal Imagery Ability to tailor ... not possible without effective communication Role of Communication in Leadership “The leadership relationship is fundamentally grounded in language and rooted in communication processes” (Conger... values Key Takeaways Effective communication is at the heart of leadership Rhetoric and framing are important leadership skills Embed communication in values Communication skills that can be... Rhetoric & Delivery Why are body language and voice so important? Together, they contribute to 93% of communication and particularly important for communicating feelings and attitude They contribute