During a recent visit to a friend’s office, I observed an employee being berated by another whom I assume is the supervisor. How does one feel when being rebuked and criticized in the presence of others? It is outright humiliating, demotivating and unproductive. So why do we, as leaders, keep on doing it?
We all have a choice of being directive or supportive. Some would choose to be directive for it involves … clearly telling people what to do, how to do it, where to do it, and when to do it, and then closely supervising our peoples’ performance.
While others would feel comfortable being supportive … for it involves … listening to people, providing support and encouragement for their efforts, and then facilitating their involvement in problem solving and decision-making.
Which ever of the two behaviors – directive or supportive – suits us, we can further modify these behaviors with our style of communication. We can select the communication style that best fits us or more important fits the situation. Our style of communication can be Directing, Coaching, Supporting or Delegating.
In directing, people need to be told specifically and monitored regularly on what they are doing or assigned to do. The communication is one way. It will work for both the leader and the follower when constant reinforcing and corrective feedback is forthcoming. Basically the leader identifies problems, makes decision and announces to follower and the leader expects implementation. The leader chooses this style when he realizes that the follower needs clear goals, role responsibilities, direction and training.
Coaching here is more of selling ideas that may help over come difficulties, blocks and set – backs. Depending on the situation, followers will still need some degree of guidance. So the leader still makes decision through discussion and persuasion. Communication is two ways here.
Supporting takes place when the follower is more confident in being independent. The leader gives support after listening to advice and suggestions from follower. Here too the communication is a give and take.
Delegating comes with the maturity of the follower. The leader defines the problem and passes on the solving and decision making to the follower. Communication is more straight forward and to the point.
The situation I observed at my friend’s office could have been handled in a more civilized manner, had the leader/supervisor utilized the appropriate leadership style.
