Achieving Results through Communication

By: Carolyn J. Shiffman

Women in Management roles are expected to achieve results, lead and direct employees all while dealing with a rapidly changing competitive environment. The senior leader tries to maintain a balance between all stakeholders of the organization—employees, trustees, and customers; all the while obtaining results. Conflicts encountered by the leader while trying to achieve results can result in fear, complacency, and turnover.

Fear: Employees are fearful of the unknown. Leaders in the twenty-first century are trying to keep pace with the rapidly changing environment. Long-term employees are often afraid of change and fearful of technology and the changes that it will bring to the industry.

Complacency: Employees often become comfortable with the status-quo. They become content with the daily routines they have established within their job. When asked to change or to try alternate procedures, they often resist.

Turnover: Employees who cannot adapt or accept the changes within the organization often choose to leave the organization. This places an increase burden on both the remaining employees and the leader. The cost of replacing employees is high and in the interim the remaining employees are asked to take on more responsibilities.

Leaders today must develop a communication pattern of trust with all stakeholders to combat these conflicts. Employees must trust the leader. The leader, in turn, must trust the employees. Trust does not come easily or automatically; it occurs over time. To facilitate a trusting environment, leaders must be able to motivate and inspire employees. By establishing a trusting environment through communication and rapport, the leader can minimize conflicts within the organization.