two key insights you had from the scholarly resources you selected. Describe a leader whom you have seen use such behaviors and skills, or a situation where you have seen these behaviors and skills used in practice. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain to what extent these skills were effective and how their practice impacted the workplace.
The two key insights I gathered from the scholarly resources I selected are the significance of effective communication and the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.
Effective communication is a crucial skill for leaders as it enables them to convey their vision, goals, and expectations clearly to their team members. It also facilitates the exchange of ideas, feedback, and information among team members, promoting collaboration and creating a positive work environment. According to a study by Burch and Anderson (2008), effective communication positively impacts team performance and job satisfaction.
In my previous workplace, I had the opportunity to work under a leader who excelled in effective communication skills. The leader, let’s call him Mr. Anderson, regularly held team meetings where he would clearly articulate the objectives for each project, discuss the progress made, and provide constructive feedback to the team members. Moreover, he would actively listen to the concerns and ideas of each team member, fostering an environment of open communication and trust.
One specific instance that stands out is when our team was facing challenges in meeting the strict deadline for a client project. Mr. Anderson organized a meeting and openly addressed the issue, emphasizing the importance of timely delivery and the potential impact on our clients. During the meeting, he encouraged everyone to share their thoughts and ideas on how to overcome the challenges.
Mr. Anderson’s effective communication skills not only ensured that everyone in the team was on the same page but also encouraged collaboration and problem-solving. As a result, team members shared their ideas and expertise, leading to the identification of key bottlenecks in the process. By openly discussing these issues, we were able to reallocate resources, streamline the workflow, and ultimately meet the client’s deadline successfully.
Emotional intelligence is another critical skill that leaders should possess. It refers to the ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions and the emotions of others, and to use this understanding to guide behavior and manage relationships effectively (Goleman, 1998). Studies have shown that leaders with high emotional intelligence tend to have more motivated and engaged employees, leading to improved performance and higher levels of job satisfaction (Sy, Cote, & Saavedra, 2005).
A leader who demonstrated exceptional emotional intelligence in my previous workplace was Mrs. Thompson. She had a deep understanding of her own emotions and was skilled at recognizing and managing the emotions of others. One specific situation where Mrs. Thompson’s emotional intelligence had a significant impact was during a period of organizational change.
Our company was undergoing a restructuring process, resulting in significant shifts in job roles and responsibilities. This change created considerable uncertainty and anxiety among the employees. Mrs. Thompson took the initiative to organize regular one-on-one meetings with each team member to discuss their concerns, address any fears or uncertainties, and provide support. She would actively listen to the emotions expressed by the team members and empathize with their experiences.
By demonstrating empathy and understanding, Mrs. Thompson created a safe space for employees to express their concerns and frustrations without feeling judged or dismissed. This approach helped in alleviating anxiety, boosting morale, and fostering a sense of unity among team members during the challenging transition period.
Furthermore, Mrs. Thompson’s emotional intelligence played a vital role in maintaining trust within the team. She remained transparent and honest in her communication, acknowledging the difficulties and uncertainties associated with the changes. This transparency, combined with her ability to empathize and understand the emotions of the team, helped in reducing resistance to change and creating a positive work environment.
In conclusion, effective communication and emotional intelligence are crucial skills for leaders. The example of Mr. Anderson illustrates how effective communication positively impacts team performance and creates a collaborative work environment. On the other hand, the example of Mrs. Thompson demonstrates how emotional intelligence can foster trust, manage employee emotions, and mitigate resistance during times of change. The successful practice of these skills by both leaders significantly impacted the workplace by enhancing employee satisfaction, engagement, and performance.