DISCUSSION RESPONSE


Respond to the Classmate’s Discussion (below) to the above question
as you would in a face-to-face class by stating why you agree as
pertaining to the discussion and by probing questions. Your response
posts need to be at least 200 words each. Please be sure to validate
your opinions and ideas.
Discussion 1 (Janise)
I have learned that nonverbal communication uses gestures, facial expressions, body
movements, and other nonverbal cues to convey messages or information without using
words. Body language refers to how individuals communicate through body movements,
posture, and physical expressions. I have learned that body language plays a significant
role in nonverbal communication as it can reveal a person’s feelings, level of comfort or
discomfort, and engagement in a conversation. Elements of body language, such as eye
contact, facial expressions, hand and arm gestures, posture, and proximity to others, all
contribute to the overall nonverbal message.
The effectiveness of different leadership styles can vary depending on the situation, the
followers, and the organizations or group’s goals. However, certain leadership styles are
commonly considered less effective or more effective.
Least effective styles of leadership:
Autocratic Leadership: This style involves the leader making decisions without seeking
input or involvement from others. It can lead to reduced employee morale, lack of
creativity, and limited growth opportunities for team members (Adams & Galanes, 2021).
Most effective styles of leadership:
Servant Leadership: This style emphasizes serving and supporting the needs of others,
with a focus on the personal development and growth of team members. It builds trust,
promotes teamwork, and prioritizes the well-being of the entire group (Greenleaf,2013).
The one leadership individual I would prefer to avoid is the leader who thinks they
deserve respect just because they are older. Just because someone is older does not
make them right or give them a hand up on being a great leader. It takes teamwork to
ensure the group has a good leader, not just the person, because they are older.
The Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision-Making” by Sam Kaner: This
comprehensive guidebook offers practical techniques and tools for effective facilitation,
decision-making, and group collaboration. It provides step-by-step guidance on
designing and leading productive meetings, managing conflict, and fostering a
participatory environment. (Baker, 1999). I chose this one because it was easier to
understand through steps in all group collaboration areas.
Nonverbal communication can significantly influence how others interpret and
understand a message. It often conveys emotions, attitudes, and intentions, which can
sometimes contradict or enhance the verbal message being expressed. For example, if
someone says they are happy, but their body language indicates sadness, others may
interpret their genuine emotions differently. Understanding nonverbal communication
and body language is essential in various contexts, including interpersonal relationships,
business interactions, interviews, public speaking, and negotiations. By recognizing and
interpreting these nonverbal cues, individuals can better understand others and improve
their communication skills.
References:
Digital Resource: Adams, K., & Galanes, G. (2021). Communicating in groups: Application
and skills (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.eISBN-13: 9781259983283.
Baker, L. L. (1999). The Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision-Making. Group
Facilitation, (1), p. 52.
Greenleaf, R. K. (2003). The servant-leader within A transformative path. Paulist press.
Respond to the Classmate’s Discussion (below) to the above question
as you would in a face-to-face class by stating why you agree as
pertaining to the discussion and by probing questions. Your response
posts need to be at least 200 words each. Please be sure to validate
your opinions and ideas.
Discussion 2 (Keneshia)
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the most effective facilitation
style will vary depending on the group dynamic and the specific goals of the facilitation
session. However, some critical elements of effective facilitation include active listening,
managing group dynamics effectively, and understanding the session’s objectives. Many
excellent resources are available for facilitation, both in print and online. Some good
places to start including books such as The Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory DecisionMaking and The Art of Facilitation and websites such as the International Association of
Facilitators and The Center for Facilitator Excellence. In building rapport, conveying
empathy, and establishing trust. However, if misused or without understanding, they can
also be harmful, causing misunderstanding and furthering mistrust.
Facilitation skills help improve the following:
• managing team meetings.
• enhancing participation and engagement at events and conferences.
• increasing clarity in group processes, getting everyone on the same page.
• including a diversity of opinions and stakeholders.
• evaluating choices, creating action plans as a group.
• ultimately supporting the group in making actual, adequate progress toward
its goals.
Nonverbal communication is critical to human services interactions, as it can often
convey more information than words alone. Body language can help read clients’
emotional states, gauge their comfort level, and build rapport. Some common ways of
nonverbal communication include body language, facial expressions, and vocal cues.
When used effectively, these forms of communication can be extremely helpful in
building rapport, conveying empathy, and establishing trust. However, if misused or
without understanding, they can also be harmful, causing misunderstanding and
furthering mistrust.
There are many different leadership styles, and what is effective in one situation may
be ineffective in another. Some common leadership styles include authoritarian,
democratic, and transformational. Influential leaders can adapt their style to the situation
and group dynamic.
• Autocratic leadership- is one of the four primary management styles of
leadership. This leadership style is one in which the leader makes all the
decisions and gives all the orders. It is typically used in organizations where
there is a need for quick decisions and clear, concise direction. Autocratic
leaders usually have a high degree of control over their subordinates and are
not afraid to use their authority to get things done.
• Democratic leadership- is characterized by consulting with subordinates and
considering their suggestions and input when making decisions. This
management style is often utilized in organizations where there is a need for
collective decision-making and input from all team members. Democratic
leaders typically have a high degree of respect for their subordinates and
believe everyone should have a say in their decisions.
• Transformational leadership- is a management philosophy that encourages
and inspires employees to innovate and develop new ways to grow and
improve the path to a company’s future success.
References
Cserti, R. (2023, July 19). What are facilitation skills, and how to improve
them? SessionLab. https://www.sessionlab.com/blog/facilitation-skills/Links to an
external site.
Management Styles of Leadership | The Four Basic Leadership Styles. (2022, September
23). Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/management-styles-leadershipfour-basic.html.
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