THE GIRLFRIEND GROUP EDUCATION SERIES

BYIFY OFULUE, VERNIS CONSULTANCY

SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2011

Leadership & Communication: Power, influence and the makings of

successful leadership

Vernis Consultancy

Successful leadership begins with communication agility™

Pronounced (verr-knee)A communication firm that provides specialized training in leadership communication & style to early-career and small business executives. Communication Agility™ is our research-based model that combines classical rhetoric, interpersonal, & intercultural communication principles. Vernis’ passion is to equip leaders and their teams with the communication skills to meet the demands of 21st century global marketplaces.

Follow us:Twitter: @verniscommFacebookwww.vernisconsultancy.com

Action Plan

1. Overview of Leadership today – 21st century /Global perspective

2. Shifting from “assumptions” “knowledge” based understanding about leadership & power

3. Knowing the 3 areas that demand strong leadership today

4. Knowing 3 key ingredients to successful leadership in those areas

“Assumptions” based view of leadership & power

Leadership is about power. And that power is asymmetrical.

•We often think of the “high flyer” as a “solo” flyer. •Reality is, leaders are partnered with others

Knowledge-based understanding of leadership & power

Leadership is the power to influence Everyone has this capacity. Everyone uses their capacity.

Do people use their capacity to influence well? Depends…

Are people intentional or passive with their influence?

Are people using their influence with others’ interests at hearts, or just their own?

Do you really want to be a leader? This means choosing to live intentionally in your

spheres of influence—personal, professional, and social.

3 Areas that Demand Strong Leadership

1. Navigating Webs of Relationships

People want to know how to live full lives

Model & mentor multi-dimensional lives which include work & social responsibility

2. Integrating Values– Passions–Vocations

Show how values, passions, goals “fit in” with calling

This includes cultural values

3. Intercultural, Inter-generational Competence

Don’t leave “know-how” to chance

Establish expectations of climate and etiquette; build cohesion

Understanding generational differences, norms. Be prepared to reconcile them.

Guide your team to work comfortably with these differences

3 Communication Ingredients to Successful Leadership

1. Establish Your Organization’s Climate!

Invite constructive participation –see Johari Window

Use “I” and “We” language rightly & regularly

2. Build Strong Teams w/in Your Organization!

Identify good team members

Understand dynamics & challenges

Maximize the best of both

3. Manage Conflict w/in Teams & Organizations!

Understand that conflict is natural and good

Create a habit of constructive conflict

Identify and root out destructive conflict

Avoid “groupthink,” i.e. consensus that inhibits innovation

Inviting Constructive Participation

Leaders need knowledge to be effective, but can’t know everything themselves. Therefore, encourage

insight from your teammates.

Successful leaders seek insights into “blind spots” and share “vulnerable areas” w/ team. They intentionally create and sustain this kind of culture.

Where do you go from here?

Leaders, entrepreneurs, employers Learn how to grow in your

leadership & groom leaders within your group

Learn about your team—their strengths, passions, goals

Communicate your priorities to them—how they fit it

Remember, you’ll likely gain more developing potential w/in than recruiting from outside

Younger professionals, team members Sober but true—Invest in

your own development

Find out your passions & goals—personally, socially, professionally

Identify the kind of culture you want to work within

Find people who are able to support you—growing & doing

Prof. assoc., mentors, etc.