Business Communication II – BUS 9553 S1AA Summer

Review the video of your Leader as Communicator Group Presentation. Did you have effective content transitions between speakers? How would you evaluate the group’s body language, and eye contact? What do you think were the strengths of the presentation? What would you have liked to have done differently?

Unfortunately due to a death in the family I was unable to attend class.  Therefore I can not comment on my body language or that of my group.

However I did the in-class Business Meeting simulation with my group relating to the Sloane-Harrison case, so I can discuss that.

Even though the mock business meeting was not a traditionla presentation, I feel some of the main points apply.

Effective content transitions between speakers: Jesse was the manager so he led the meeting.  However he utilized eye contact and effective pausing as cues to me and Yihui that we may interrupt and speak at different moments. This was actually easy for our group because I think we are a good balance of talkers and listeners.

The group’s body language could have been better. In terms of a presentation, it would have been ideal if we were facing the audience.  Yihui had his back to the class and I was obscured from view.  however, as it was a business meeting and less of a presentation it made sense for us to sit in that configuration.  Also, I had to be mindful of what to do with my hands as we learned that crossed arms may indicate a defensive or otherwise negative energy.

Stengths of the presentation: Our group has an ebb and flow style and the balance of personalities are such that we are cognizant of when to  listen and when to speak.  Therefore, interruption and speaking over one another did not occur during the business meeting.  This is a strength as it made the mock meeting appear more realistic and fluent and not disjointed and scripted.

In hindsight I would have liked offered more suggestions to the manager (Jesse) for out to imporve conditions at Sloane-Harrison.

Communication Blog # 2 

            After reviewing our Leader as a Communicator Presentation, I think that the group did a great job and explaining storytelling as a leadership communication style.  The group was able to cover the content in a clear and concise manner. Our transitions to the proceeding speaker were effective, but could have been done in a crisper manner. I believe this is a direct result of not having the necessary time to rehearse the presentation several times to ensure smooth transitions. I also believe that our inexperience presenting as a team effects our transitions. Over the course of the semester, our transitions as a group should improve (assuming we are able to keep the team together).

The strengths of the presentation are that the team presented the material with confidence and conviction. All the presenters knew the information that they were expected to present well. I believe that the presenters were able to portray storytelling techniques in a compelling fashion. I also think that the group had strong, confident body language and maintained eye contact through out the presentation.

If I could do anything differently, I would have the group rehearse the presentation more before going in front of the audience. I also think that individually we can improve as speakers. Over the course of the presentation, there were “um” moments and movements of too much body movement. However, overall the group delivered a strong presentation.

Lawrence Flugger

Communication Blog # 1

            I prefer to use a participative leadership style. I seek to encourage group members to participate in open discussions. By keeping all members engaged, I believe they are more open to suggestions and more likely to reach a solution that they buy-in to. Typically, I prefer to rule by consensus. However, I like to reserve the right to make a final decision if a consensus cannot be reached.

In business school we are often asked to work in teams to write reports and give presentations. These types of assignments often bring about several challenges. The most common challenge is coordinating time for all group members to meet to work on a task. Often, pieces of the project are completed individually by the group members and then organized for submission at the very end. For this process to work, clear and concise communication is needed. It is important for other group members to know what each other is working on to avoid redundancy and to make future consolidation easier. When communication between members is strong, parts that are prepared individually still sound as if they have a unified voice.

Digital communication is the method of choice for group projects. It is vital to the success of the project. It allows members to communicate with each other on their own schedules and allows for easy exchange of information.  Still, there are some pitfalls to digital communication. Communication via email can be misinterpreted if not prepared properly. It is best to be clear and transparent with other group member in regard to expectations and objectives.

A couple of questions to ponder:  How would I describe my leadership style?  Do I lead by example?  Do I delegate?  Do I rule by consensus?

Honestly, I am still honing my leadership style…at least at work anyway.  I have only had about a year of direct supervisory experience so I am still learning how best to manage a team.  I currently have 3 direct reports but this number is expected to grow over the next couple of months as we build out the department and fill staffing needs.  So considering my style and ways to change or improve are important at this point.

Objectively speaking, I’d say my style is a combination of leading by example, delegation and consensus.   This may sound as if I’m just covering all bases but with a team as small as mine, I feel the manager must be nimble and flexible in order to make the process work.  For instance, I lead by example when it comes to behavior and professionalism.  I’ve found that it’s better to guide employees towards the behavior you want them to exhibit when you are actually taking part in it too.  Therefore, I make sure to come to work on time, dressed appropriately.  On the chance that I am late, I inform everyone and make up my time (even when my boss is not around or doesn’t request me to do so.)  By showing my reports that I follow the same rules as they do, a relationship of trust and respect can develop.

I also delegate when appropriate.  I didn’t always do this because in the past I believed my way was the best way.  But through experience I recognized that ‘there is more than 1 way to skin a cat’ and so I apply that theory and look to delegate tasks to the person with the corresponding skill set.  This reduces my stress but also improves efficiency. 

Lastly, there are often times when crucial decisions need to be made.  Due to the small size of the group it is especially important for everyone to feel heard.  Therefore, I will put certain items to a vote or move forward with the group’s consensus versus making the decision independently.

Working in teams: In business and business school, students are often asked to work in teams. What are some of the challenges faced on team projects? What role does communication play with teams? How important is digital communication with teams?

My biggest challenge with team work is time management.  Especially at Baruch, some students work full time in addition to full class loads whereas other students do not work at all.  This can be challenging when certain members want items completed well in advance, while others won’t have the time to get to an assignment until 2 days before it’s due.  Open communication is what saves the group dynamic.  Personally, if I know I’m swamped with work and unable to get to a project or meet with my group, I let the members know immediately and also offer alternatives so they know I’m invested in the project.  Reliance on digital communication is number 1 for me, but I have been in groups where in person meetings are preferred.  In these cases, I usually compromise by meeting at least once before I insist on virtual meetings and email exchanges.

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