Unit 6: Communication & Leadership Styles

Communication Process

Sender encodes a message, passes via channel, receiver decodes, then provides feedback.

Noise in Communication

Any interference that distorts message clarity (e.g., distractions, jargon, emotional bias).

Feedback

The receiver's response; closes the communication loop and confirms understanding.

Rich Channel

A medium like face-to-face or video that allows immediate feedback and conveys emotion.

Lean Channel

A medium like email or memo, ideal for factual, one-way info, but lacks nuance.

Formal Communication

Structured flows like official memos and reports following organizational hierarchy.

Informal Communication

Casual, unofficial ways messages flow—e.g., the grapevine.

Jargon as a Barrier

Technical or specialized language that may confuse or exclude parts of the audience.

Active Listening

Fully engaging with the speaker—asking clarifying questions and avoiding interruptions.

Trait Approach to Leadership

Emphasizes leaders' inherent qualities like integrity and emotional intelligence.

Behavioral Leadership

Focuses on what leaders do: task implementation vs. team motivation.

Contingency Leadership

Adapts leadership style based on situational factors and team needs.

Transformational Leadership

Inspires followers through vision, motivation, and emotional engagement.

Transactional Leadership

Relies on structured rewards and penalties for compliance and performance.

Servant Leadership

Prioritizes the growth and welfare of team members above leader's interests.

Authentic Leadership

Built on honesty, transparency, and consistency with personal values.

Leader-Member Exchange (LMX)

High-quality, trust-based relationships between leader and followers.

Emotional Intelligence

Awareness and management of one's emotions, and sensitivity to others'.

Developing Leadership Skills

Involves self-reflection, empathy, value alignment, and authentic communication.

Barriers Strategy

Use clear language, multiple channels, active listening, and foster inclusivity.

Importance of Communication

Effective communication boosts job satisfaction, retention, and efficiency; poor communication wastes time and resources