Outcome 1.2 Study Notes: Leadership and Communication Skills for Health Science & Technology Workplaces

Verbal communication

The spoken content of your message, including words, tone, pacing, and clarity.

Nonverbal communication

Includes facial expressions, posture, eye contact, gestures, and physical setup that reinforce or contradict messages.

Active listening

A set of behaviors to ensure accurate receipt and interpretation of a message.

Closed-loop communication

A communication technique where the receiver repeats back the instruction to confirm understanding.

Assumptions in communication

Common errors where one party presumes the other shares the same context or agrees silently.

I-statements

Statements that express personal feelings and observations without blaming others, used to de-escalate conflict.

Negotiation

A structured conversation to reach agreement when parties have differing outcomes.

Conflict resolution

The process of addressing a disagreement so that work can continue effectively.

Situational thinking

Choosing a leadership style based on the context and needs of the moment.

Technical writing

A clear, objective, and precise form of writing that produces a record that can be followed, verified, or audited.

Professional correspondence

Emails, memos, and letters that are purposeful, clear, and action-oriented.

Health literacy

The degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand basic health information.

Feedback

Information given to a person or group about their performance that is intended to improve it.

Audience analysis

The process of determining who will receive a communication and what they need to understand.

Plain language

Communication that is clear and free of jargon, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Interpersonal skills

Learnable behaviors that aid in coordinating, influencing, and supporting teamwork.

Stakeholders

Individuals or groups who are affected by or have influence over a decision or process.

Role ambiguity

When responsibilities within a team are unclear, leading to confusion about who does what.

Clarifying goals

The process of defining the specific outcomes that a team aims to achieve.

Professional tone

A style of communication that is direct, respectful, and appropriate for the workplace.

Error correction procedure

A method for properly addressing mistakes in formal documentation or reports.

Completeness in documentation

Ensuring all necessary information is included in forms and reports.

Summarizing feedback

The practice of condensing stakeholder responses and informing them about subsequent actions.

Actionable questions

Questions designed to elicit specific and useful information to guide decision-making.

Credibility in communication

The quality of being trusted and believed, heightened by clear and correct communication.