Successful Employee Communication

This chapter documents the important concepts of communication strategies and management styles. Complete the Chapter Case at the end regarding developing an outline for a training program on effective management and communicating with employees.

Management Styles

Key Takeaways

Just like in communication, a different management style should be used depending on the employee.
Task styles focus on getting the job done, while people-centered styles focus on relationships.
A participatory style involves both task-oriented and people-centered styles. A directing style is focused on the task and doesn't allow for employee participation. A teamwork style focuses on teamwork and is a people-oriented style. The advantage of this style is the ability to use strengths from everyone on the team.
An autocratic style doesn't allow much room for employee decision making; the focus is on getting the task done. A participative style constantly requires input from employees. The free-rein style gives employees freedom to make decisions on how things will get done.
The situational leadership model, which looks at relationship behavior, task behavior, and the readiness of employees, is used to recommend different management styles.
No one management style works in all situations. Just like with communication, you will likely want to vary your approach based on the situation to get the best results.