As you read this article I want you to think about your current or previous organizations.
- How many times have you seen a challenge or conflict that could be avoided with more effective communication?
- How many times has a peer or leader brushed off an effective idea?
- Finally, what made you, a peer or leader, choose to prioritize an idea over another?
We know how vital communication is to a successful organization. Without it, miscommunication, misunderstanding, and misunderstood expectations arise. Many excellent ideas have never seen the light of day due to these misunderstandings. Many followers have left organizations due to frustration about not being heard.
As you read this article, keep the following in mind from Hackman & Johnson (2018):
- "Communication is not a thing, it is a process" (p. 8).
- "Communication is not linear, it is circular" (p. 8).
- "Communication is complex" (p.10).
- "Communication is irreversible" (p. 10).
- "Communication involves the total personality" (p.10).
Just like the quotes above, we (leaders and followers) want to acknowledge that effective communication is vital to success.
In this article, the idea of effective communication through the lens of leadership is discussed. This includes three communication styles to help current and future leaders understand how to effectively engage their followers. If any of the questions I asked above relate to you, these models of communication can provide a new way to communicate your ideas.
The three models of communication - Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive. It is important to note that these are on a continuum, so while distinct, you may see hints or pieces from one model in a person’s actions.
