bmgt365 week 7 discussion latest july 2016

Week 7 discussion

Theme one is about the greatest skill a leader can possess that is the art of communication. This week’s theme is to discuss the importance of communication which at its heart is the art of listening. Learning activities for the skill based aspect of our discussion should focus on the different forms of communication and how and when they are best used. (Persuasion, written communication, oral, body language, group, diversity etc.)

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

Take one of the communication assessments in your reading. Comment to the class about your results and explain while referencing the reading for the week what areas of improvement you would consider working towards.

Sub Theme: is the corollary which is the absence of communication and its destructive nature. Many times failure to communicate comes from poor listening skills.

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/listening-quiz.htm

How good are your listening skills? Take this assessment and find out what areas you can use improvement and report to the class.

Do you see a relationship between the areas of improvement in the communication assessment and the listening areas of improvement? If so why? If not why not?

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2

Read the Waite Pharmaceuticals case study found in Richard Daft’s book The Leadership Experience (link attached). Daft Chapter 12 Ignore the last paragraph and assume that Lassiter has given you permission to make a presentation to the Board of Directors. Knowing that Hsu is biased in favor of the Standard Company, you must find a way to persuade the Board and Hsu that Standard is not the greatest option for the company. Be creative! Set up the Agenda for your presentation and write the first two paragraphs of your presentation using the tips given in the articles for this week and the videos listed below. Make sure you tell us enough that we get a real feel for your perspective and direction of argument. Remember if you don't communicate your thoughts well the choice will be Standard!

Nancy Duarte on creating persuasive presentations

How to persuade anyone of anything in 10 seconds

LEARNING ACTIVITY 3

You are the CEO of a medium size solar panel firm located in California. You are concerned with the rising taxes in your state and have been negotiating with the Governor for a tax reduction because of your green status. Talks with the Governor however do not look promising. You are considering moving the business to New Mexico and have been in negations with the Governor there and it looks almost too good to be true. The two other members of the leadership are aware the pending move. Your employees however do not know of the discussion and the possible impending move which may require them to relocate. Explain in a memo to your leadership team how and when you want the news to be known to the staff that a possible move is in the horizon. Be sure to explain the way the news should be broken and by whom. Make sure to discuss the timing and how you will handle the feedback you will get from the news. Keep in mind all the things that we discusses about change, trust and vision in your response. Use the articles below to help with your ideas.

Communicating a vision for change Kotter

4 Ways to Communicate Change