Basic Guidelines for
Effective Leadership Communication
(Onsite and Distance)
Copyright © 2007
Diane Howard, Ph.D.
Effective leaders, who inspire and facilitate others
productively, use interpersonal, intrapersonal, and public relational skills
that include professional communication which is positive, constructive, and
respectful. They empathize, "listen," look for common ground, refrain from attacking, and avoid judging.
They communicate verbally and nonverbally in positive and constructive ways that
inspire, facilitate, and support others to maximally produce positive
collaborations, community, and results.
They value and respect others. They encourage personal, team, partnership, and
community success by avoiding negative attacks and criticism that generate
confusion, misunderstanding, conflict, withdrawal, and even
personal/professional paralysis. They guide and promote high standards and
expectations in a context of praise, encouragement, and mutual respect. As
role models, they lead by example. They guide by their lives and words. They are
calm and enthusiastic. They are intense but not tense, passionate but not
impulsive. They are expressive and articulate but not rudely blunt. They correct
with patience and gentleness. They facilitate functional people and
relationships. They know that healthy people, relationships, teams, and
community produce the most positive products.
Here are basic guidelines for professional interpersonal, intrapersonal,
and public
communication. These personal and professional relational skills guard against potential irritation,
conflict, and divisiveness. They generate respect and positive results and
products.
1. Avoid oversimplification.
2. Avoid exaggeration.
3. Avoid blaming and finger-pointing.
4. Give the "benefit of the doubt."
5. Practice patient, kind, consideration.
6. Ask questions.
7. Seek understanding.
8. Practice empathy.
9. Respectfully agree to disagree, when there is a difference of
opinion.
1. Communicating without affect contributes to confusion and conflict.
2. Avoid negative non-verbal communication.
References for Effective Distance Communication
Conrad, L. (2002). E-mail Addiction, A 12-Step Recovery Program. Retrieved August 11, 2002 from http://www.nacubo.org/website/members/bomag/1097_conrad.html.
Elam, P. (1997). A neophyte's guide to effective e-mail. WebNovice.com.
Retrieved August 11, 2002 from http://www.webnovice.com/email.htm.
Fielden, N. (2001). Internet research. Jefferson: McFarland.
San Diego, G. (2002). The art of writing e-mail. Online Marketing Since 1994.
Retrieved August 11, 2002 from http://www.net-market.com/email.htm#salutations.
Dr. Howard's Books
Speak Skillfully and Successfully:
A Guide
to Developing Diction
and Voice-Over Excellence
Enhanced by Technology,
Not Diminished:
A Practical Guide to Effective, Distance Communication
Autobiographical Writing and Performing:
An Introductory,
Contemporary Guide to Process, Research in Speech Performance
Contact Dr. Howard
dhoward@vvm.com
On-Site and/or Distance
Communication Consultation
Professional Resume
| Professional Vitae |
Performance Resume
|
Publications/Presentations |Performance/Communication
Curricula
|
Perf. St.
Syllabi
Professional Network|
Public Speaking/Presenting |
Professional Projects |
Professional Communication Guidelines
| Performances of
Autobio.
& Lit. |
Home