SAMPLE THE MANAGER’S COMMUNICATION HANDBOOK A Practical Guide to Build Understanding, Support, and Acceptance WELCOME!

SAMPLE TRAINING OBJECTIVES 1.Review and discuss the key concepts presented in THE MANAGER’S COMMUNICATION HANDBOOK. 2.Examine and discuss the relevance of the handbook’s contents to our jobs and our organization. 3.Work together to identify ways we can apply the principles of the handbook back on the job.

SAMPLE GENERAL DISCUSSION QUESTION Based upon what you’ve read, why is TRUST considered the core of communication?

SAMPLE GENERAL DISCUSSION QUESTION What is the difference between “activity-focused” communication and “outcome-focused” communication? Which type of communication is more effective? Why?

SAMPLE GENERAL DISCUSSION QUESTION On a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being the best), how would you rank our organization’s communication effectiveness? Why?

SAMPLE GENERAL DISCUSSION QUESTION Which area of communication do you feel you can personally improve upon the most? Why?

SAMPLE GENERAL DISCUSSION QUESTION What did you learn from the handbook that surprised you?

SAMPLE GENERAL DISCUSSION QUESTION What are some things we all can do to get the most benefit from what this handbook has to offer?

SAMPLE Exercise: “COMMUNICATION COMES FIRST” In Table Groups … 1.As a group, decide upon the top three priorities of our organization. List these priorities on the flipchart sheet provided. Then, 2.List the ways we communicate these priorities to our employees. Also, list ways we miscommunicate these priorities to our employees. Finally, 3. Select someone to present your lists to the entire group. 9 minutes.

SAMPLE “COMMUNICATION COMES FIRST” DISCUSSION QUESTION Did all groups have the same three priorities? If not, what does that say about our internal communication?

SAMPLE “COMMUNICATION COMES FIRST” DISCUSSION QUESTION What can /should we learn about the importance of reinforcing communication as presented in the handbook?

SAMPLE “COMMUNICATION COMES FIRST” DISCUSSION QUESTION What’s your key learning from this exercise?

SAMPLE Exercise: “PICTURE PERFECT” In Pairs … 1.Choose a “speaker” and a “listener.” Sit back-to- back, with markers and pad of paper on your lap. 2.The speaker must draw an object and describe each motion to the listener. The listener must try to draw exactly what the speaker is describing. (The speaker may not identify the end result of the object. For example, he or she may not say, “Draw a tree.” The speaker must simply describe each motion. Example; “I am drawing a brown line three inches horizontally.”) Then, 3.Select which of you will present and explain your drawings to the entire group. 5 minutes.

SAMPLE “PICTURE PERFECT” DISCUSSION QUESTION How do the drawings compare? Do the pictures for each team look the same? If not, why not?

SAMPLE “PICTURE PERFECT” DISCUSSION QUESTION What do you think was the biggest challenge in clearly communicating the desired outcome?

SAMPLE “PICTURE PERFECT” DISCUSSION QUESTION What is your key learning from this exercise?

SAMPLE Exercise: “BEST OF THE BEST” In groups … 2.In table groups, review the 44 Effective Communication Tips listed in the back of the handbook. As a group, determine which three tips the organization should focus on to improve organizational communication. Then, 3. Select someone to present and explain your group’s decisions. 7 minutes.

SAMPLE “BEST OF THE BEST” DISCUSSION QUESTION Did anyone have difficulty deciding which tips are most critical in order to establish effective communication? Why?

SAMPLE “BEST OF THE BEST” DISCUSSION QUESTION How will we know if we’ve been successful at improving our organization’s communication?

SAMPLE “BEST OF THE BEST” DISCUSSION QUESTION How will our organization be different if everyone here improves his or her communication effectiveness?

SAMPLE KEY LEARNING CONCEPTS 1.The core of communication is developing TRUST. 2.KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Equip your team with as much knowledge as you can. 3.PROVIDE FEEDBACK. People need to know where they stand. 4.WALK THE TALK. You communicate more by what you do than by what you say. 5.FOCUS ON THE MESSAGE. Think of communication as an outcome rather than an activity.

SAMPLE Thank You … for your time and your participation!