INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: SUPERVISORY STAFF
FROM: DEBBIE REYNOLDS, MANAGER
SUBJECT: LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR AND COMMUNICATION
DATE: 6/30/2009
CC: JANET DURHAM, VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
As we begin the process of implementing new services and opportunities for growth within our organization, it is essential for all leadership staff to manage staff using professional behavior and communication. “A substantial amount of research has been conducted on the relationship between productivity and high performance work practices, such as…organizational cultures that emphasize team orientation and respect for others, employee involvement in decision making, compensation related to firm or worker performance. The evidence indicates that such practices are usually associated with increases in productivity, as well as the firm’s long standing financial performance” (Schneider, Smith & Salvaggio, 2003).
First, let’s start at the beginning and define what leadership is. Leadership is the process of directing the behavior of others towards the accomplishment of common objectives. Leadership is influencing people to get things done to a standard and quality above their norm and to do it willingly. As new managers, you’re been promoted to a supervisory role and now have to supervise people that you once worked with as equals. You now have to give them directions, hold them to certain standards, give feedback as necessary, as well as professional criticism.
Our discussion today will address what makes a successful leader. Some characteristics include:
Is an EXAMPLE to others. Your actions can directly affect your staff’s productivity. They must not only HEAR what they are expected to do, they must also SEE.
Is able to LISTEN intently to others.
Strives to UNDERSTAND and EMPHATHIZE with others. Empathy gives us insight to what others may be thinking or feeling. It helps us understand why or how people are reacting to...