Leadership & Communication

Leadership & Communication Ag Management and Leadership Ms. Carlson

Objective #1 Define Leadership

In your notes… My definition of leadership is…

What is Leadership? Leadership is a relationship where influence is given to meet individual or group goals.

ACTIVITY! 8 Myths of Leadership In groups of three, discuss each “myth of leadership” Under each myth, write 1 reason why it is true and 1 reason why it is false. Be prepared to discuss these!

8 Myths of Leadership Myth 1: Leaders are egotistical. Myth 2: Leadership is a rare ability. Myth 3: The person with the highest title is the leader. Myth 4: Leaders only give orders. Myth 5: Leaders are extroverts. Myth 6: Leaders command a following. Myth 7: Followers exist to support a leader. Myth 8: Leaders are chosen by other people.

Objective #2 Describe characteristics of a leader

In your notes… What do you think that many of these words share in common? Do you think they relate to a particular type of person? All of these words relate to a good leader, and today we will learn about what types of traits these are in relation to leadership. • Write your name down the left side like this   M • For each letter, write a word that describes YOU! S. C A R L S O N

Leadership Characteristics There are four types of leadership characteristics: • Internal – personal characteristics • Hard-working, driven, creative • Technical - these are skills that show you know about leadership and how to do things • Follow directions, conduct of meetings, public speaking • Conceptual – thinking skills • Think logically, anticipate problems, make decisions • Interpersonal – people skills • Respectful, trustworthy, honest, communication

Objective #3 Describe different leadership styles

Styles of Leadership Autocratic All decisions are made by one leader. No input from others. Activities directed by authority. The way a task is completed is decided by person in charge. Leader assigns tasks. No choice is given. Leader sets rules, gives praise or criticism, and remains apart from the group. Democratic All decisions are a matter of group discussion, encouraged by the leader. All members are encouraged to share ideas. All members are free to work with whom they choose and on which tasks. Leader is flexible to change and is a regular member of the group. Laissez-Faire Complete freedom of group. No leader participation. Leader supplies info when asked but takes no part in decision or work. Very few comments or ideas are given. Lack of participation is the norm.

As a chapter leader, you are faced with getting a sufficient number of volunteers to sell popcorn at the home football games. Which style of leadership do you think would be most effective?

In the previous scenario, what possible difficulties might an authoritarian leader face when working with chapter members??

Objective #6 Describe qualities of an effective leader.

In previous lessons we have discussed the importance of leadership development, and we have identified the roles and skills which successful leaders achieve. As we have learned, leadership development is an ongoing process. In order for us to be more effective leaders, we can identify qualities of leadership that will help us improve our strengths and eliminate our weaknesses.

In your notes… Identify a person that you believe is a successful leader or someone who has had a positive influence in the lives of others. List the qualities of leadership that this person demonstrates or exemplifies.

Discussion Who do you recognize as a great leader? What qualities does this person have that make them a great leader?

Circle Activity • Form into 3 Groups: • Autocratic • All decisions are made by one leader. No input from others. • Activities directed by authority. The way a task is completed is decided by person in charge. • Leader assigns tasks. No choice is given. • Leader sets rules, gives praise or criticism, and remains apart from the group. • Democratic • All decisions are a matter of group discussion, encouraged by the leader. • All members are encouraged to share ideas. • All members are free to work with whom they choose and on which tasks. • Leader is flexible to change and is a regular member of the group. • Laissez-Faire • Complete freedom of group. No leader participation. • Leader supplies info when asked but takes no part in decision or work. • Very few comments or ideas are given. Lack of participation is the norm. • Sit in circle on the floor • Can put hands on floor • Must sit cross legged on ground • Must all be touching • Must all stand up at once

Discussion What were the attributes or the positive characteristics of your group? What challenges did you face when working with one another? What strategies did you use to be successful?

Why are we concerned with our leadership style?

Groups bring together individuals with various decision-making and leadership styles. Understanding how you and others in the group make decisions can help you work with one another more successfully.

Objective #4 Discuss the importance of personal leadership development

How do you become a successful leader? Analyze yourself, determining your weak and strong points. Set goals for improvement! Learn how to take directions. Learn about how groups function and identify the types of people within the group. Study the qualities of good leaders and learn from their mistakes. Make and follow a plan to develop personal leadership skills.

Developing a Personal Leadership Plan Focus your thinking and develop a vision. Set SMART goals. Develop initiative. Develop self-confidence. Develop personal responsibility. Develop a healthy self-image. Develop organization. Eliminate procrastination. Study leadership. Magnify your strengths.

In your notes… Develop a personal leadership plan for yourself using the following steps as a guideline. Be prepared to discuss!

Objective #5 Explain types of leadership traits, abilities, and skills

What two roles must effective leaders achieve in order to provide leadership for their group? Task Role – involves providing direction to the group in order to accomplish the goal. The leader keeps the group moving toward its goal and assists the group in being productive and efficient. Getting the job done is the primary concern in this role. Relationship Role – involves building, enhancing, and maintaining positive relationships within the group. Leaders build cooperation between members and develop the group into a team.

Everyone has the potential to develop their personal leadership abilities, since leadership is a process. The best way to learn leadership is to role play situations where you can experience leadership in action. It is critical to your development in becoming an effective leader that you study, analyze yourself, develop, learn, and follow a plan.

Objective #7 Describe the four styles of communication. Research which began in the 1940s and continues today has revealed there are four major styles of communication. Some people combine two of these styles, but we all have a natural style of communication that we prefer to use. Remember, our natural tendency in communicating is to use our own style because it is what comes naturally and automatically to us. But if we want to be effective communicators, we need to adapt our style to that of the other person.

The Controller • The Controller. (also known as the "D") • The Controller is easy to spot because they just want the facts and nothing but the facts. Because of this, many times they can be perceived as bossy and insensitive. The Controller is extremely goal oriented and their major motivation is to get things done. They'll take a project and run with it. Many times they won't even have a plan when they begin. They'll just forge ahead with an attitude of "we'll figure it out as we go." • The Controller paints with a broad brush and has little use for details, so don't give them any more details than are absolutely necessary to get your point across. Here are some tips for communicating with a bottom line person: • Be efficient and businesslike. Get to the point. Set and clarify goals and objectives. Give them conclusions. Only provide details if asked. Solve problems and objections. Talk in terms of results not methods.

The Promoter • The Promoter. (also known as the "I") • You know the Promoter...they're the life of the party and lots of fun. They love people and love to talk. Their natural sociability allows them to talk for long periods of time about almost anything. They have an attractive personality and are the life of the party. They are enthusiastic, curious, and expressive. • Here are some tips for communicating with the Promoter: • Leave plenty of time for talk and social niceties. • Ask them about their family, children etc. And be prepared to talk about yours. • If possible, let them "experience" what you are communicating. • Talk in terms of people and stories. • Use lots of examples. Something to think about: What will happen when the people person who loves to talk tries to communicate with the bottom line person who just wants to get to the point?

The Supporter • The Supporter. (also known as the "S") • The person with a Supporter communication style typically has a low key personality and is calm, cool and collected. They tend to be patient, well balanced and happily reconciled with life. Supporters are the largest percentage of the population and they are typically competent and steady workers who do not like to be involved in conflict. When there is conflict they may be called upon to mediate the problem. They are good listeners and usually have many friends. One of their major motivations is to avoid offending anyone. • Here are some tips for communicating with the Supporter: • Don't come on too strong. • Earn their trust in small steps. Don't ask for big decisions fright away. • Provide plenty of reassurance. • Talk in terms of security. Something to think about: How can you use testimonials, guarantees, or examples to effectively communicate with a Supporter that you know?

The Analyzer • The Analyzer. (also known as the "C") • These are the "facts and figures" people. They love to gather details and organize things. They tend to be deep, thoughtful, analytical, serious and purposeful. Because their communication style includes a need for details, they sometimes hesitate to make decisions if they feel that they don't have enough facts. They love lists, charts, graphs and figures. Because they pay so much attention to details, they can sometime be seen as being pessimistic. Many times they are frugal or economical. • Tips for communicating with the Analyzer: • Make sure you are well prepared. • Have plenty of facts and figures. • Be prepared for skepticism. • Answer all of their questions. • Go relatively slow to give them time to think and analyze. • Something to think about: How can the people person who loves to talk communicate more effectively with the detail person who wants facts and figures?

Objective #8 Plan and gather information for a prepared speech.

ACTIVITY! TODAY you are going to give an extemporaneous speech on the topic, “The Effects of Foot and Mouth Disease on Livestock Producers in Europe” You will have 10 minutes to develop reasoning and prepare your speech. Just kidding.

1. Choose A Topic The first step in preparing a speech is selecting a topic. Choose a topic that interests you! Otherwise, the speech will be more difficult to write and you will become bored. If you are bored, your audience will be bored! Choose a topic which you are knowledgeable about or would like to become knowledgeable about. When presenting a speech, you must have as much knowledge as possible so that your audience in attentive and you can answer questions. Choose a topic that interests your audience. In your notes, brainstorm 3 possible topics for an agriculture related speech.

2. Gather information • Find CURRENT information. • Possible sources: • Books and magazines • Breed association publications • Trade and business magazines • Organizations and expert interviews • News articles • Government officials and their aides • Films/documentaries

3. Record ideas and info Prepare notecards for each resource: Info gathered should include the name of the source, page number, date published/interviewed, author Quotations and statistics should only be used when needed to make a point

Objective #9 Write a prepared speech

There is one vital step between research of a topic and the delivery of the speech – writing the speech. Because you are presenting a “prepared” speech, the manuscript is very important. It helps you: Recognize the speechs strengths and weaknesses Helps you organize and develop ideas Helps you evaluate grammar Gives you security if you become nervous and forget your speech Helps you stick to a consistent timeline

1. Outline Using your note cards, develop an outline for you speech using the sentence outline style. Speeches should be 3-5 minutes long.

2. Manuscript • Body • Focus on main points • Choose words carefully • Always use proper English and grammar • Introduction • Attention grabber! • State purpose • Conclusion • Remind audience of content • Reinforce ideas • Leave an impression

Objective #10 Deliver a prepared speech

1. Practice! The first step in delivering a good speech is PRACTICE! Practice by yourself in front of a mirror. Although it may be awkward, this will help you become more comfortable with the delivery of the speech and with movement. Watch for things you wouldn’t normally do, especially nervous habits. Practice in front of people to build confidence. Practice where you will present. This helps you become more comfortable with your surroundings beforehand. Record and analyze yourself. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and eliminate bad habits.

2. Memorization is essential Have you ever heard the saying, “Practice how you play”? Reciting a speech over and over is not efficient practice. Once you think you have your speech memorized, you get nervous and forget! You MUST practice like you will present!

3. Question & Answer Session At the end of the FFA Prepared Speech contests and in many public speaking forums, there is a question and answer session. In the CDE, the Q&A lasts 5 minutes. Your responses should be long enough that you answer 3-5 questions within those 5 minutes.

Let’s practice!

Leadership & Communication