Recommendations for Gender-Neutral Communication
Men may need to Women may need to
Listen to objections and suggestions State your message clearly and concisely
Listen without feeling responsible Solve problems without personalizing them
Suspend judgment until information is in Say what you want without hinting
Explain your reasons Eliminate unsure words (“sort of”) and nonwords (“truly”)
Not yell Not cry
From Sullivan, E. J. (2013). Becoming influential: A guide for nurses. (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, p. 58. Reprinted by permission.
CHAPTER 9 • COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY 123
The Role of Communication in Leadership Although communication is inherent in the manager’s role, the manager’s ability to communi- cate often determines his or her success as a leader. Leaders who engage in frank, open, two-way communication and whose nonverbal communication reinforces the verbal communication are seen as informative. Communication is enhanced when the manager listens carefully and is sen- sitive to others. The major underlying factor, however, is an ongoing relationship between the manager and employees.
Successful leaders are able to persuade others and enlist their support. The most effective means of persuasion is the leader’s personal characteristics. Competence, emotional control, as- sertiveness, consideration, and respect promote trustworthiness and credibility. A participative leader is seen as a careful listener who is open, frank, trustworthy, and informative.
Employees Depending on the organization’s policies, the nurse manager’s responsibilities may include se- lecting, interviewing, evaluating, counseling, and disciplining employees; handling their com- plaints; and settling conflicts. The principles of effective communication are especially pertinent in these activities because good communication is the adhesive that builds and maintains an effective work group.
Giving direction is not, in itself, communication. If the manager receives an appropriate response from the subordinate, however, communication has occurred. To give directions and achieve the desired results, develop a message strategy. The techniques that follow can help im- prove effective responses from others.