Page 66 - Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders

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GREAT COMMUNICATION SECRETS OF GREAT LEADERS
INTERVIEWS
Interviews are best for getting to the heart of what people think about the orga-
nization. Individual interviews give you the opportunity to explore a question
or issue with someone in more depth than is possible with any other method.
A skilled interviewer can make the interviewee feel comfortable by assuring
confidentiality, opening with small talk, and having an open and friendly
demeanor. When people feel at ease, they will reveal a great deal about how
they see themselves within the context of the team or the organization.
Sample questions might include:
Has your boss set clear expectations for your job? Why do you say
that?
Do you know the objectives of your team/department? How do you
know or not know?
Do you know where the organization is headed? How do you know
this?
What is the climate for communications within your organization?
The other factor in this type of research is choosing whom to interview.
Consider interviewing at least two people from every function or organiza-
tional level. In this way, you get a more balanced understanding of what indi-
viduals think and what they do within the organization.

FOCUS GROUPS
Focus groups are good for getting different viewpoints in a short period of
time. You can use the interaction within the group to stimulate conversation as
well as to bring differing points of view to the surface. Keep in mind that some
people are shy in groups and are uncomfortable voicing their opinions, partic-
ularly when those opinions might be contrary to what the rest of the group
thinks or what the organization fosters. Use an experienced facilitator to draw
out the opinions of the group. Group dynamics will have a big impact on the
quality of the responses and the nature of the discussion; you need someone
who is experienced and skilled in managing these dynamics effectively. In a
focus group, limit the time to no more than 2 hours.
Sample questions might include:
How do senior leaders communicate to you?

What kind of feedback do you receive from your boss?

Think of what people are saying about your organization. Do their
views differ from those of senior leadership? In what way?