Chapter 15 Flashcards
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
communication
- the transmission of information and meaning from one party to another through the use of shared symbols
- sender initiates process by conveying information to the receiver - the person for whom the message is intended.
- sender has a meaning he or she wishes to communicate and encodes the message into symbols (the words chosen for the message)
- sender then transmits, or sends, the message through some channel, such as a verbal or written medium.
- receiver decodes the message (e.g. Reads it) and attempts to interpret the sender’s meaning; the receiver may provide feedback to the sender by encoding a message in response to the sender’s message.
- communication process is often hampered by noise, of interference in the system, that blocks perfect understanding
- noise can be anything that interferes with accurate communication : ringing telephones, thoughts about other things, or simple fatigue or stress.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
one-way communication
- a process in which information flows in only one direction - from the sender to the receiver, with no feedback loop
- examples :
- a manager sends an email to a subordinate without asking for a response
- an employee phones the information technology (IT) department and leaves a message requesting repairs for her computer
- a supervisor scolds a production worker about defects and then storms away
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
two-way communication
- a process in which information flows in two directions - the receiver provides feedback, and the sender is receptive to the feedback
- in these constructive exchanges, information is shared between both parties rather than merely delivered from one person to the other
- is more difficult and time consuming, but it is more accurate, fewer mistakes occur, and fewer problems occur
- when receivers have a chance to ask questions, share concerns, and make suggestions or modifications, they understand more precisely what is being communicated and what they should do with the information.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
perception
- the process of receiving and interpreting information
- such processes are not perfectly objective
- they are subjective because people’s self-interested motives and attitudes toward the sender and toward the message create biased interpretations.
- people often assume that others share their views and naturally pay more attention to their own views than to those of others.
- but perceptual differences get in the way of shared consensus.
- to remedy this situation, it helps to remember that others’ viewpoints are legitimate and to incorporate others’ perspectives into your interpretation of issues.
- generally, adopting another person’s viewpoint is fundamental to working collaboratively and your ability to take others’ perspectives - for instance, really to understand the viewpoints of customers or suppliers - can result in higher assessments of your performance.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
filtering
- the process of withholding, ignoring, or distorting information
- senders do this, for example, when they tell the boss what they think the boss wants to hear or give unwarranted compliments rather than honest criticism.
- receives also filter information, they may fail to recognize an important message or attend to some aspects of the message but not others
- because of differences, you cannot assume the other person means what you think he means or understands the meanings you intend
- managers need to excel at reading interactions and adjusting their communication styles and perceptions to the people with whom they interact
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Problems can be avoided to make communication more effective if people took more time to do what?
- Ensure that the receivers attend to the message they are sending
- Consider the other party’s frame of reference and attempt to convey the message with that viewpoint in mind
- Take concrete steps to minimize perceptual errors and improper signals in both sending and receiving
- Send consistent messages
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Oral and Written Channels
- Oral :
- includes face-to-face discussion, telephone conversations, and formal presentations and speeches
- advantages : questions can be asked and answered, feedback is immediate and direct, the receiver(s) can sense the sender’s sincerity (or lack thereof), and oral communication is more persuasive and sometimes less expensive than written
- disadvantages : it can lead to spontaneous, I’ll-considered statements (and regret), and there is no permanent record of it (unless an effort is made to record it).
- Written :
- includes emails, memos, letters, reports, computer files, and other written documents
- advantages : the message can be revised several times, it is a permanent record that can be saved, the message stays the same even if relayed through many people, and the receiver has more time to analyze the message
- disadvantages : the sender has no control over where, when, or if the message is read; the receiver may not understand parts of the message; and the message must be longer to contain enough information to answer anticipated questions
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Electronic Media
- Electronic decision rooms, software supports simultaneous access to shared files and allows people to share views and do work collectively
- other means include teleconferencing, email, instant messaging, text messaging, and blogging
- Advantages of electronic media :
- sharing of more information and speed and efficiency in delivering routine messages to large numbers of people across vast geographic areas
- Disadvantages :
- difficulty of solving complex problems that require more extended, face-to-face interaction and the inability to pick up subtle, nonverbal, or inflectional clues about what the communicator is thinking or conveying.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
virtual office
- a mobile office in which people can work anywhere, as long as they have the tools to communicate with customers and colleagues
- in short run, the benefits of virtual offices appear substantial
- saving money on rent and utilities is an obvious advantage; gives employees access to whatever information they need from the company, whether they are in a meeting, visiting a client, or working from home; hiring and retaining talented people is easier because virtual office support scheduling flexibility and may make it possible to keep an employee who wants to relocate, for example, with a spouse taking a new job in a new city
- longer term impact : may be danger of losing too many human moments, those authentic encounters that happen only when two people are physically together; some people hate working at home; some send texts, emails, and tweets in the middle of the night and others receive them; long hours of being constantly close to the technical tools of work can cause burnout
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
media richness
- the degree to which a communication channel conveyors information
- the more information or cues a medium sends to a receiver, the richer the medium is
- the richest media are more personal than technological, provide quick feedback, allows lots of descriptive language, and send different types of cues
- thus, face-to-face communication is the richest medium because it offers a variety of cues in addition to words : tone of voice, facial expression, body language, and other nonverbal signals
- the telephone is less rich than face-to-face communication, and electronic mail is less rich
- in general, you should send difficult and unusual messages through richer media, transmit simple and routine messages through less rich media, and use multiple media for important messages that you want to ensure people attend to and understand
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Improving sender skills
- sender’s can improve their skills in making persuasive presentations, writing, language use, and sending nonverbal messages
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ten Ways to Add Power to Your Presentations
- Spend adequate time on the content of your presentation
- it’s easy to get so distracted with PowerPoint slides or concern about delivery skills that the actual content of a presentation is neglected
- know your content inside and out; you’ll be able to discuss it conversationally and won’t be tempted to memorize it
- if you believe in what you’re saying and own the material, you will convey enthusiasm and will be more relaxed - Clearly understand the objective of your presentation
- answer this question with one sentence : “what do I want the audience to believe following this presentation?”
- writing down your objective will help you focus on your bottom line
- everything else in a presentation - the structure, the words, the visuals - should support your objective - Tell the audience the purpose of the presentation
- as the saying goes : “tell them what you’re going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you’ve told them.”
- use a clear preview statement early on to help the audience know where you’re taking them - Provide meaning, not just data
- today information is widely available; you won’t impress people by overloading them with data
- people have limited attention spans and want presenters to help clarify the meaning of data - Practice, practice, practice
- appearing polished and relaxed during a presentation requires rehearsal time
- practice making your points in a variety of ways
- above all, don’t memorize a presentation’s content - Remember that a presentation is more like a conversation than a speech
- keep your tone conversational, yet professional
- audience members will be much more engaged if they feel you are talking with them rather than at them
- rely on PowerPoint slides or a broad outline to jog your memory - Remember the incredible power of eye contact
- look at individual people in the audience
- try to have a series of one-on-one conversations with people in the room
- this will calm you and help you connect with your audience - Allow imperfection
- if you forget what you were going to say, simply pause, look at your notes, and go on
- don’t break character and effusively apologize or giggle or look mortified
- remember that an audience doesn’t know your material nearly as well as you do and won’t notice many mistakes - Be prepared to answer tough questions
- try to anticipate the toughest questions you might receive
- plan your answers in advance
- if you don’t have an answer, acknowledge the fact and offer to get the information later - Provide a crisp wrap up
- whenever possible, follow the Q&A period with a brief summary statement
- set up the Q&A session by saying “ we’ll take questions for 10 minutes and then have a few closing remarks.”
- this prevents your presentation from just winding down to a weak ending
- also, if you receive hostile or hard to answer questions, you’ll have a chance to have the final word
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Presentation and Persuasion Skills
- goal is to sell your idea
- as a leader, you will find that some if your toughest challenges arise when people do not want to do what has to be done
- your attitude in presenting ideas and persuading other is important
- It is usually more constructive to consider persuasion a process of learning from each other and negotiating a shared solution
- persuasive speakers are seen as authentic, which happens when speakers are open with the audience, make a connection, demonstrate passion, and show they are listening as well as speaking
- as a speaker, you should notice and adopt the type of body language you use when you’re around people you’re comfortable with, planning how to engage directly with your listeners, identifying the reasons you care about the topic, and watching for nonverbal cues as well as fully engaging yourself when you listen to audience comments and questions
- most powerful and persuasive messages are simple and info arrive, are told with stories and anecdotes, and convey excitement
- people are more likely to remember and buy into your message if you can express it as a story that is simple, unexpected, concrete, and credible and that includes emotional content.
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Writing Skills
- is more than correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar
- good writing above all requires clear, logical thinking
- act of writing can be a powerful aid to thinking because you have to think about what you really want to say and what the logic is behind your message
- you want people to find your email and reports readable and interesting
- strive for clarity, organization, readability, and brevity
- brevity is much appreciated by readers who are overloaded with documents, including email
- help email recipients manage the flood of information by providing specific subject lines, putting your main point at the beginning of the message, limiting paragraphs to five lines or less, and avoiding sarcasm or caustic humor (which can be misinterpreted, especially when readers are scanning messages in a hurry)
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Language
- word choice can enhance or interfere with communication effectiveness
- for example, jargon is actually a form of shorthand an can make communication more effective when both the sender and the receiver know the buzzwords; but when the receiver is unfamiliar with the jargon, misunderstandings result.
- when people from different functional areas or disciplines communicate with one another, misunderstandings often occur because of language barriers
- whether speaking or writing, you should consider the receiver’s background - cultural as well as technical - and adjust your language accordingly
- when you are receiving, don’t assume that your understanding is the same as the speaker’s intentions
- meaning of word choices also can vary by culture
- when conducting business overseas, try to learn something about the other country’s language and customs
- making the effort to learn the local language builds rapport, sets a proper tone for doing business, aids in adjustment to culture shock, and especially can help you get inside the other culture
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Nonverbal Skills
- can support or undermine the stated message
- in employees’ eyes, managers’ actions often speak louder than the words managers choose
- in conversation, except when you intend to convey a negative message, you should give nonverbal signals that express warmth, respect, concern, a feeling of equality, and a willingness to listen
- negative nonverbal signals show coolness, disrespect, lack of interest, and a feeling of superiority
- suggestions that can help you send positive nonverbal signals :
1. use time appropriately, avoid keeping your employees waiting to see you, devote sufficient time to your meetings with them and communicate frequently with them to signal your interest in their concerns
2. Make your office arrangement conducive to open communication; a seating arrangement that avoids the separation of people helps establish a warm, cooperative atmosphere (in contrast, an arrangement in which you sit behind a desk and your subordinate sits before you creates a more intimidating, authoritative environment)
3. Remember your body language; facial expression and tone of voice can account for much of the communication between two people - several nonverbal body signals convey a positive attitude toward the other person : assuming a position close to the person; gesturing frequently; maintaining eye contact; smiling; having an open body orientation, such as facing the other person directly; uncrossing the arms; and learning forward to convey Interest in what the other person is saying
- silence is an interesting nonverbal cue : North Americans tend to talk to fill silences, Japanese believe that two people that with good rapport know each other’s thoughts; the need to use words implies a lack of understanding
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Listening
- Find an area of interest
- Even if you decide the topic is dull, ask yourself : “What is the speaker saying that I can use?” - Judge content, not delivery
- Don’t get caught up in the speaker’s personality, mannerisms, speaking voice, or clothing. Instead, try to learn what the speaker knows. - Hold your fire
- Rather than getting immediately excited by what the speaker seems to be saying, withhold evaluation until you understand the speaker’s message. - Listen for ideas
- Don’t get bogged down in all the facts and details; focus in central ideas. - Be flexible
- Have several systems for note taking and use the system best suited to the speaker’s style. Don’t take too many notes or try to force everything said by a disorganized speaker into a formal outline. - Resist distraction
- Close the door, shut off the radio, move closer to the person talking, or ask him or her to speak louder. Don’t look out the window or at papers on your desk. - Exercise your mind
- Some people tune out when the material gets difficult. Develop an appetite for a good mental challenge. - Keep your mind open
- Many people get overly emotional when they hear words referring to their most deeply held convictions - for example, union, subsidy, import, Republican or Democrat, and big business. Try not to let your emotions interfere with comprehension. - Capitalize on thought speed
- Take advantage of the fact that most people talk at a rate of about 125 words per minute, but most of us think about four times that rate. Use those extra 400 words per minute to think about what the speaker is saying rather than turning your thoughts to something else. - Work at listening
- Spend some energy. Don’t just pretend you’re paying attention. Show interest. Good listening is hard work, but the benefits outweigh the costs.
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
reflection
- process by which a person states what he or she believes the other person is saying
- this technique places a greater emphasis on listening than on talking, and the result is more accurate two-way communication
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Reading
- illiteracy is a significant problem in the United States as well as other countries
- even if illiteracy is not a problem in your organization, reading mistakes are common and costly
- as a receiver, for your own benefit, read memos and emails as soon as possible, before it’s too late to respond
- scan and note important points for later referral
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION
downward communication
- information that flows from higher to lower levels in the organization’s hierarchy
- examples include a manager giving an assignment to an assistant, a supervisor making an announcement to his subordinates, and a company president delivering a talk to her management team
- downward communication that provides relevant information enhances employee identification with the company, supportive attitudes, and decisions consistent with the organization’s objectives
- problems :
1. Information overload
2. Lack of openness between managers and employees
3. Filtering
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION
coaching
- dialogue with a goal of helping another be more effective and achieve his or her full potential on the job
- when done properly, coaching develops executives and enhances performance
- the best use of coaches is as sounding boards, helping you think through the potential impact of your ideas, generate new options, and learn from experience
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION
open-book management
- practice of sharing with employees at all levels of the organization vital information previously meant for management’s eyes only
- this information includes financial goals, income statements, budgets, sales, forecasts, and other relevant data about company performance and prospects
- is controversial because many managers prefer to keep such information to themselves and believe that sharing information could lead to leaks to competitors or dissatisfaction with employee compensation