Communication Skills for Managers
Management Development Program
Presented By
Communication Skills for Managers Outline I.
INTRODUCTION A. Presenter/United Behavioral Health B. Topic
II.
WHAT DO MANAGERS NEED TO COMMUNICATE A. Information B. Non-verbal communication C. Exercise: Giving Directions
III. THE CLIMATE FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION A. Who creates it B. Communication rights and responsibilities IV. EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES A. Encouraging assertiveness B. Enhancing self esteem C. Creating opportunities D. Enhancing problem solving V.
LISTENING TO BE HEARD A. Active listening B. Exercise: Listening
VI. OBSTACLES TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION VII. PAYOFFS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION VIII. CLOSING A. Exercise: Communication B. Remaining handout C. Questions D. Evaluations
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Communication and the Manager’s Role ■
What I need to communicate:
■
What I need to know:
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Communication Rights and Responsibilities RIGHTS
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. You have the right to be treated with respect.
1. You have the responsibility to treat others with respect.
2. You have the right to have and express your own opinions.
2. You have the responsibility to listen to the opinions of others.
3. You have the right to ask for what you need and want in order to be effective.
3. You have the responsibility to acknowledge and address the needs of others.
4. You have the right to set reasonable limits.
4. You have the responsibility to respect the limits and boundaries of others.
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Communication Styles Passive
Assertive
Aggressive
Extends but does not feel entitled to “rights;” accepts responsibilities
Both exercises and extends “rights” and responsibilities
Demands but does not extend “rights;” does not accept responsibilities
Assertive Communication: Direct, Honest, Respectful
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Interpersonal Communication Options PASSIVE
AGGRESSIVE
PASSIVEAGGRESSIVE
ASSERTIVE
Self Esteem
Low
Self-centered
Low
High
Impact
Cares more about others
Cares only for self
Doesn’t care about anybody
Cares about self and others
Consequences &Approval
Predicts disaproval and will not risk it
Not concerned with approval or consequences
Predicts approval and positive outcomes; risks disapproval
Meetneeds
Own needs not met
Own needs met at cost of others
Avoids consequences; wants approval through minimal effort Needs of neither met
Mistakes
Blames self
Blames others
Blames external forces; defends self
Owns themnondefensively
Goal Accomplishment Self Awareness
Martyr, selfdenying
Uses others
Depreciates self/others; phony efforts
Self-enhancing; supportive of others
Sees only weaknesses
Sees only strengths
Sees fate as responsible; no need to change
Accepts strengths and weakness
Trust/Control
Lets others control; distrusts self
Controls others; distrusts others
Distrusts everyone
Trusts
Feelings
Depressed and unexpressed
Explosive and hostile
Expressed indirectly and slyly
Expressed authentically and calmly
Reactions of Others
Pity, irritation or disgust
Anger or fear
Confuses others; generates frustration, anger, distrust
Respect or annoyance
ISSUE
Own needs met but not at cost to others
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Performance Cycle
Self-Talk
Performance
Feedback
Self-Esteem
You can notice, control, and choose the messages you give to others and influence their performance accordingly.
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Communication Techniques for Problem Solving 1.
2.
To the person involved in the problem: ➤
Relate the facts
➤
Give your interpretation of them
➤
Explain how you feel about it
Listen to their response: ➤
3.
How does the other person feel, see, interpret?
Questions to ask: ➤
Is it possible to change the situation or to compromise?
➤
If the situation cannot be changed, can you or the other person accept it?
4.
When a solution is agreed upon by both parties, either through a willingness to change on one person’s part or through a compromise by both parties, put the agreement in writing so that both are aware of the terms of the agreement.
5.
Expect improvements to happen in small increments. During the early stages encourage changes with positive feedback, avoid criticism for falling short.
6.
When you know the person is capable of keeping their agreement and they continue to break it, state the consequences and most importantly, follow through!
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Methods of Communication 80% of working day involves communication Used Listening
Taught/Addressed
45% Least
Speaking
30%
Reading
16% Most
Writing
9%
Listening: 45% of Communication 25% Efficiency
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Listening & Speaking ■
■
Listening takes. . . ➤
concentration and energy
➤
curiosity and open-mindedness
➤
analysis and understanding
Speaking requires. . . ➤
sharp focus
➤
logical thinking
➤
clear phrasing
➤
crisp delivery
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“Harry always was a poor listener.”
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Active Listening 1. Setting the stage ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤
Choose an appropriate physical environment Remove distractions Be open and accessible Listen with empathy
2. Insuring mutual understanding ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤
Reflect feelings Paraphrase main ideas Interrupt to clarify Confirm next steps
3. Understanding body language ➤ ➤ ➤
Observe position and posturing Make eye contact Consider expression and gestures
4. Suspending judgment ➤ ➤ ➤
Concentrate Keep an open mind Hear the person out
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Effective Listening Behaviors that support effective listening ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤
Maintaining relaxed body posture Leaning slightly forward if sitting Facing person squarely at eye level Maintaining an open posture Maintaining appropriate distance Offering simple acknowledgments Reflecting meaning (paraphrase) Reflecting emotions Using eye contact Providing non-distracting environment
Behaviors that hinder effective listening ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤
Acting distracted Telling your own story without acknowledging theirs first No response Invalidating response, put downs Interrupting Criticizing Judging Diagnosing Giving advice/solutions Changing the subject Reassuring without acknowledgment
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Exercise - Listening 1. Who are the people it’s easiest to listen to?
2. What is it about these people that makes it easier to listen to them?
3. Who are the people you listen to least?
4. What is it about them that makes it difficult to listen to them?
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Obstacles to Effective Communication ■
Assumptions
■
Fears ➤
Reluctance to confront
➤
Ridicule, rejection, fear of being wrong
■
Authority relationships
■
Unmanaged stress
■
Corporate culture
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Payoffs to Effective Communication ✔
A more professional image
✔
Improved self-confidence
✔
Improved relationships
✔
Less stress
✔
Greater acceptance of yourself and others
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Communication Worksheet 1.
Identify a communication problem you have experienced with an employee:
2.
Identify your contribution to the problem:
3.
Identify the steps you could take to effectively resolve the problem:
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Writing Skills Unlike the oral presentation of ideas, the written presentation of ideas is governed by some very specific rules. Each of us writes in an individual “style” which we have developed over the years. We are not trying to change that style, but merely suggesting the guidelines below. These suggestions will help you edit and criticize your own (and others’) written material. 1.
Proofread aloud everything going out. By reading aloud, your ear will catch mistakes your eye misses.
2.
Make no assumptions. The ideas you are presenting must be explained in full to be understood. PEOPLE READ ONLY WHAT IS ON THE PAGE.
3.
Do not lecture. Write only what must be understood to make the proper decision or choice.
4.
Rough draft all important letters and reports. Check them for content, sequential development of ideas, and conciseness.
5.
Always put yourself in the “other person’s shoes” and ask yourself, “Would I want to read this letter or report? Why? Does it say something of value and real importance to me?”
6.
Many people are too busy to read carefully. Be sure your ideas are clear and easy to follow. As a general rule, the most effective manner in which to develop an idea is: ConceptBenefitExampleData This method leads your reader to the conclusion you want because the conclusion is already clearly stated as the concept (hypothesis). Your examples and data are support for the conclusion.
7.
Define all “terms” and eliminate vague pronouns. These two traps cause more problems in writing than any other set of conditions.
8.
Grammar, punctuation, and spelling should be perfect. Use a dictionary -- either a good unabridged volume or the “spelling checker” version on your computer.
9.
Plan your time to allow for proofreading and correcting. When your success depends upon the quality of your letters and reports, there are no excuses for ineptitude. There is no substitute for EXCELLENCE!
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Training Evaluation for:
Communication Skills--Mgr Trainer’s Name: ________________________ Date/Time: ________________ Company: _____________________________ Location: _________________
Please circle your responses and make comments or suggestions below. Excellent
Very Good
Good
Little Value
Poor
What is your OVERALL opinion of this course?
5
4
3
2
1
2.
The course MATERIALS were:
5
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2
1
3.
The course ACTIVITIES were:
5
4
3
2
1
4.
The instructor’s PRESENTATION of the information was:
5
4
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1
The instructor’s KNOWLEDGE of the the subject was:
5
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YES
NO
1.
5. 6.
Would you recommend this training to co-workers?
What did you feel was the most useful?
What did you feel was the least useful?
What other training programs would you like to attend?
Comments, questions and concerns:
Program..PPT: p. 1 Rev. 05/10/00 Com_m_h.ppt: p. 20 Rev. 1/1/01