Leadership and Communication Skills PDF

Module 3 Leadership and Communication 1 | Attributes of Leadership What is leadership? The word "leadership" can bring to mind a variety of images. For example: A political leader, pursuing a passionate, personal caus...

Module 3 Leadership and Communication 1 | Attributes of Leadership What is leadership? The word "leadership" can bring to mind a variety of images. For example: A political leader, pursuing a passionate, personal cause. An explorer, cutting a path through the jungle for the rest of his group to follow. An executive, developing her company's strategy to beat the competition. Leaders help themselves and others to do the right things. They set direction, build an inspiring vision, and create something new. Leadership is about mapping out where you need to go to "win" as a team or an organization; and it is dynamic, exciting, and inspiring. Yet, while leaders set the direction, they must also use management skills to guide their people to the right destination, in a smooth and efficient way.  A leader is... Indispensable One who influences and directs others Assumes responsibilities to motivate his workers Encourages, inspires, communicates, helps them attain their goals Possess initiative and appropriate abilities Personal Attributes of a Leader Competence- correct decisions and actions at the right time and situation Credibility- actions done are consistent, fair, and just Creativity- provides high morale and new techniques of doing things Dynamism- open mindedness for change Greatest leaders have: CHARISMA C oncern – ability to show you care H elp – ability to reach out A ction – ability to make things happen R esults – ability to produce I nfluence – ability to lead S ensitivity – ability to feel and respond M otivation – ability to give hope A ffirmation – ability to build up Obstacles to being a Good Leader Timidity and shyness Tendency to withdraw or isolate himself Jealousy and Envy  Rejection and Condemnation Refusal to admit mistakes Suspiciousness or Paranoid behavior Self depreciation 2 | Effective Communication in the Workplace Communication The art of establishing shared meanings between and among individuals Discussion Points Effective communication helps create and sustain a successful business. Not all communication is effective. People talk but don’t always get their message across comprehensively. People also hear others talking and yet, don’t always listen. Basically they have miscommunication. Forms of Communication Verbal ○ use of words Non-verbal ○ body language ○ facial expression ○ speech-related factors (voice, pitch, tone, pauses, volume) 10 Steps to Becoming a Better Conversationalist 1. It’s elementary, but worth repeating – there are two parts to effective conversation: speaking and listening. And both parts take thought and skill. 2. Make eye contact. 3. Speak clearly and audibly. 4. Use language and images familiar to the listener. 5. Stick to the topic. 6. Know when to speak and when to listen. 7. Express an interest in what’s being said. 8. Ask open-ended questions to promote communication. 9. Be prepared. 10. Model someone whose conversational skills you admire. Tips for Successful Interviewing Preparing for the Interview 1. Organize the night before. Your attire and credentials should all be prepared. Get a good night’s rest. 2. Give yourself plenty of time to get there 3. Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name and his/her title. 4. Research the company through the internet, library or interview someone from the company. 5. Look your professional best. 6. Be conservative in your use of fragrance, cosmetics, and jewelry. 7. Re-read your resume before the interview. 8. Arrive poised and confident. Bring several copies of your resume and list of references. 9. Go alone and pray a lot, it always works! Video Link Interview DO’S 1. Arrive on time or a few minutes early. 2. If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. 3. Greet the interviewer by last name and make sure you know the correct pronunciation. 4. Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you might be solicited during the hiring process. 5. Use good grammar and good diction. Say “yes”, not “yeah.” Don’t fill pauses with “um,” uh” or “ah”. Don’t punctuate sentences with “you know”, “like”, “see” or “okay”. 6. Project energy and enthusiasm. Smile. 7. Wait until you’re offered a chair before sitting. 8. Look the interviewer in the eye while speaking. 9. Always thank the interviewer after. 10. Sit still in your seat; avoid slouching. 11. Treat the interview seriously and show interest in the employer and the opportunity presented and respond to questions in a positive manner. First Impressions During Interviews “You’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression” Employers start judging you before you can even say hello. They judge you based on how you look and what you are wearing. So if you really want the job do your homework! Interview DON’TS 1. Don’t answer with a simple yes or no. 2. Never pretend that you know something or someone when you don’t. 3. Don’t make negative remarks about present or former employers. 4. Don’t over-answer questions. 5. Don’t inquire about salary or benefits on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. 6. Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke. 7. Don’t take cell phone calls during an interview. If you carry a cell phone, turn it off during the interview. Examples of Interview Questions: Tell me about yourself Discuss your accomplishments Strengths and weakness What interest you about our company? Where would you be five years from now? What about Answering Questions? Your points must be CLEAR, RELEVANT AND ADEQUATE: The interviewer needs to determine if you can do the job, if you will do the job, and if you fit in. Hiring the RIGHT person is the goal. Be prepared for behavior-based questions like: Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work that tested your coping skills. What did you do? Give an example of a time when you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision. Give me an example of an important goal you had to set and tell me about your progress in reaching that goal. Give me an example of a problem you faced on the job, and tell me how you solved it. Tell me about a situation in the past year in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker. Your keys to RESPONDING well to these types of questions are: Be specific, not general or vague! Don’t describe how you would behave. Describe how you DID behave. If you later decided you should have behaved differently, explain this. The interviewer will see that you learned something from experience. What to do after the interview? 1. Immediately send a thank you letter to each of your interviewers 2. Be prepared to attend two or more interviews at the same company 3. Be patient. Don’t call without permission 4. If you do not get a call, try another company In conclusion, when headed to a job interview: Be sure to dress for success. Don’t wear too much perfume or cologne. Make sure to be well groomed. Leave unnecessary items at home. Avoid showing skin or tattoos.