2 Leadership conversations
Most leadership happens through verbal communication. Indeed, there has long been a consensus that most of a manager’s time is spent talking – between 60 to 90% (Mintzberg, 2011). Technology has changed the ways in which managers communicate, particularly with email and online messenger services. But in many ways, these are forms of verbal communication that are simply realised through a different medium.
However, some forms of communication are more valuable than others. Mintzberg (2011) makes these points about most managers: they tend to be reactive rather than proactive; they experience routine interruptions; they are forced to split their attention between several different focuses. Outside of formal organisations, the everyday experience of someone organising and leading campaigns or teams of volunteers can be similar to that of a typical organisational manager – they will be pulled in many directions and forced into ad-hoc, reactive communication.
It’s vital that you learn how to be more deliberate and effective in your communication. The most important way in which communication happens in leadership is through conversations. Conversations involve two or more people making sense of problems and shaping solutions.
Perhaps most importantly for Black leadership, effective conversations enhance diversity – ensuring that there is enough diversity of identity, expertise and experience present. You will now move on to consider some important practices for effective conversations.