LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION
Full Answer Section
- Employee: "Victim" role. They feel singled out and respond defensively ("Bob, Carol, and Ted"). This role avoids responsibility and deflects blame.
- Supervisor: "Adult" ego state. They provide constructive feedback, acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement. This facilitates growth.
- Employee: "Adult" ego state. The employee demonstrates a willingness to learn by seeking improvement suggestions. This fosters collaboration.
- Individual Reflection: Instead of public disclosure, the coach could have asked individuals to privately reflect on their supervisor/subordinate's "Blind" areas.
- Open Dialogue: The coach could then facilitate one-on-one or small group discussions where people share their perspectives constructively, focusing on "Hidden" areas (known to others but not oneself) for self-improvement. This allows for more measured feedback.
- Positive Reinforcement: The coach should highlight examples of good communication already happening within the teams, focusing on the "Open" area (known to self and others). This fosters a more positive and collaborative environment.
Sample Solution
This paper explores how the Johari Window and Transactional Analysis concepts can be applied to address common scenarios faced by leadership development coaches.
Scenario 1: Disgruntled Employee and Critical Supervisor
Transactional Analysis (TA):
- Supervisor: "Critical Parent" role. They express disappointment and focus on the employee's mistakes ("fifth time"). This is a judgmental and potentially controlling approach.