LeaderLens Organizational Silence: Bogosian

LeaderLensOrganizational Silence

February 23, 2011Twitter hashtag #LeaderLens

Ashley WelchDirector, Leadership & SustainabilityInteraction Associates

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Logisitics

Send your

questions

“fit in viewer”

QuestionsQuestions

Twitter hashtag #LeaderLens

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Rob BogosianRVB Associateswww.rvbassociates.com

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Today’s Conversation

1. What is organizational silence and what is surprising to you about it?

2. What are the tell tale signs of a climate of silence and the impact?

3. Tell me about silence in the world today–what do you observe through the lens of silence?

4. What can leaders do to create a forum for honest conversation?

What is organizational silence and what is surprising to you about it? 1

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• Fear of retribution• “It’s futile”• Concern with self

image• Worried about

damaging relationship with others

What are the telltale signs of a climate of silence, and its impact?2

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Signs

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Listeners

Please chat in – what is the impact of silence in your

organizations or on you?

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• Slows things down• Less data - more speculation – greater risk• Culture of fear & distrust• Leaders misinterpret silence• Less innovation• “Less smart” as acquisition & distribution of

knowledge slow down

Impact

Tell me about silence in the world today–what do you observe through the lens of silence?3

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What can leaders do to create a forum for honest and open conversation?4

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1. Identify your assumption about inclusion – the value of voice

• Say what is going on- “There is silence-why?”

• Practice inclusive language – use “we” vs. “you/me/I” to strengthen group identity

• Foster Idea Generation to cultivate voice

• Count to 60 - tolerate the silence

• P4- never be the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person to speak

• Delegate with Constraints

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Questions

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Ashley WelchDirector, Leadership & Sustainability

awelch@interactionassociates.com

Twitter hashtag #leaderlens

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WHAT

WHO Darcy Winslow

Leadership in Sustainable Design – The Story of Nike

March 23, 2011WHEN

Thank you!

Webinar on demand at:interactionassociates.com/ideas