Course purpose
Communication is more than just conveying information - it involves stimulating excitement, creating meaning, providing instruction, and expressing personal and corporate values. This course provides participants with the knowledge and practical insights that will allow them to become more effective communicators. The seminar will explore the management attitudes and communications required to stimulate employee commitment and enthusiasm about meeting organizational goals and objectives. Special emphasis is placed on developing mutual trust and respect, protecting employee dignity, understanding the power of shared information and understanding the core elements of effective listening.
Target audience
- All levels of management from front line through CEOs and owners
- Staff responsible for communicating or implementing policies and procedures
- Members of work teams, task forces, boards, or committees
Participant outcomes
Participants will leave with a heightened awareness of the choices they can make to enhance the effectiveness of their organization's communications. They will be able to:
- Recognize communication as a process which builds productive, ongoing relationships.
- Consistently acknowledge the worth of their employees and co-workers.
- Listen effectively and willingly.
- Supply the vital information employees need to function effectively.
- Forge communication links that increase collaboration and coordination of efforts.
Organizational benefits
Your organization will benefit from having:
- An increased two-way flow of ideas and information throughout the organization.
- Greater understanding of and commitment to organizational mission, directions, and goals.
- A climate of openness, respect, and collaborative problem solving.
- Effective coaching and development of human resources.
Presentation options
This workshop, which consists of lecture, group discussion, and exercises, can be presented in a 1, 2, or 3-day format. The one-day version is a dynamic, intensive presentation. Along with additional information, the multi-day format allows more time for exercises and discussion groups designed to reinforce new skills and develop real-time applications of the material to existing circumstances.
Topics covered
- Supervision and communication
The direct link between communication and productivity, quality, morale, and profits. Words and behavior - are you sending two different messages? - The role of authority
Authority, perceptions, and communication. What are employees telling you and what aren't they telling you? Tapping the energy generated when communication opens up. - The power of shared information
Laying the groundwork for tension-free dialogue. How to raise controversial issues. Giving and receiving honest feedback. How shared goals stimulate excitement and productivity. - Avoiding communication pitfalls
Misunderstandings, defensiveness, hidden agendas, assumptions, expectations, and rumors. Surfacing and resolving communication blocks. - Coaching, evaluating, and motivating
Appraising performance and giving feedback. How your behavior supports or undercuts what you're saying. Honesty, tact, and wisdom - finding the right balance. - Building relationships that work
Who's who - clarifying responsibilities and roles. Developing mutual trust and respect. Protecting employee dignity. Appropriate ways to express feelings in the workplace. - Listening, hearing, and understanding
When to speak and when to listen. Hearing what's not being said. Making it easier for employees to talk to you. Why listening improves attitudes, motivation, and behavior. - Communicating values and vision
Valuing your human resources and making sure they know it. Developing and sharing a challenging vision. Visualizing organizational potential together and making it happen.
Praise from executives, managers, and supervisors
"Excellent job! This made me look at communication in a whole different light. I've got a lot of work to do." - Trust Officer, First National Bank, Terre Haute, IN
"This seminar really made me stop and think. I came away with a deeper appreciation of the importance of two-way communication. There is definite room for improved communication, and I must initiate the improvement." - Manager, AT & T, Harrisburg, PA
"Very valuable. I didn't really think I had anything to learn - turns out I have some work to do!" - Administrator, Edison Manor Care Center, Centralia, WA
"This is good stuff! I'm starting my first year with a new staff. As a result of this seminar, I've scrapped the opening speech I had and have started on a new one. Why keep my vision and plans to myself?" - Executive Principal, West Bend, WI, School District
"This seminar will definitely affect both the content communication I will present and the feedback I will seek. I recognized that problems with communication start with me and that changes can take place through the choices I make based on my authority." - Dean of the College, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Knoxville, TN
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"This seminar really made me stop and think. I came away with a deeper appreciation of the importance of two-way communication. There is definite room for improved communication, and I must initiate the improvement." - Manager, AT & T, Harrisburg, PA
"Very valuable. I didn't really think I had anything to learn - turns out I have some work to do!" - Administrator, Edison Manor Care Center, Centralia, WA
"This is good stuff! I'm starting my first year with a new staff. As a result of this seminar, I've scrapped the opening speech I had and have started on a new one. Why keep my vision and plans to myself?" - Executive Principal, West Bend, WI, School District
"This seminar will definitely affect both the content communication I will present and the feedback I will seek. I recognized that problems with communication start with me and that changes can take place through the choices I make based on my authority." - Dean of the College, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Knoxville, TN
Back to Effective Management page