Course Name: Leadership and Communication
Course Code: TCG080302
Instructor: Jye Lee
University: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
Course Description:
This course emphasizes proactive student engagement in classroom communication and leadership activities. Students will also assess their strengths and weaknesses to improve their communication and leadership skills. Following the ‘Learning by Doing-Thinking-Improving’ philosophy, students will participate in and lead group discussions, deliver personal presentations, engage in self-reflection, and maintain a written learning log as the primary methods for developing and enhancing their leadership and communication skills.
Taking Leadership & Communication class is one the best decisions I made. Through this class, I got to know a lot of friends, both locals and other international students. I’ve also learned lots of things from this class, as we had so many role play to act as a leader, whether through group discussion or through presentation in front of class, some skills I learned along the way are Public Speaking, Teamwork, Active Listening, Presentation, Empathy, Relationship Building, and of course Effective Communication and Leadership, aligns with the name of the course itself, Leadership & Communication. All of these skills unexpectedly are useful for my daily conversation when meeting new people from different backgrounds, I use some of these strategies and I can see that I can become much easier to connect and communicate with these people, I’m grateful that what I’ve learned in this class can be useful and applied in real world setting.
Through this reflection space, I would like to reflect what I’ve learned throughout one semester in Leadership & Communication class.
Effective communication and leadership are essential skills that foster connection, collaboration, and innovation in both personal and professional settings. Understanding the nuances of these skills can transform ordinary interactions into meaningful exchanges that drive success. Here are some key takeaways from this course:
Starting Conversations and Making Acquaintances
Initiating conversations requires confidence and a friendly approach. Beginning with a simple “Excuse me,” “Hi,” or “Hello” is a universal way to break the ice. Sharing information about oneself sets the tone, while politely asking about the other person builds mutual understanding. This approach is supported by maintaining a respectful and open-minded mindset, ensuring that both parties feel valued.
Sustaining Meaningful Communication
The key to meaningful communication lies in recognizing diverse perspectives and appreciating others’ views while asserting one’s own. Empathy, non-judgmental attitudes, and careful word choice during the initial moments of response (the critical 0.25 seconds) are vital. Respectful disagreement, softened with phrases like “I understand” or “I hear you,” paves the way for productive discussions while preserving relationships.
Leading Discussions and Teams
Effective leadership in discussions hinges on preparation and clarity. Leaders must understand the goals, the context, and the participants’ strengths and weaknesses. Encouraging equal participation, guiding the discussion toward objectives, and summarizing inputs are essential. Leaders should demonstrate respect for all contributions, even when opinions diverge. By offering constructive alternatives instead of merely opposing ideas, they can foster collaboration and innovation.
The Role of Disagreement in Innovation
Disagreement, when handled productively, drives creativity and refinement. It introduces diverse perspectives, identifies potential challenges, and stimulates out-of-the-box thinking. This process not only strengthens ideas but also builds trust and cooperation among team members.
Preparing for Public Speaking
Engaging public speaking requires understanding the audience’s values and concerns. Focusing on a single core idea and building it with relatable examples ensures clarity and impact. Techniques such as storytelling, humor, and audience interaction make speeches memorable. By aligning the speech’s purpose with the audience’s interests, speakers can create a compelling and shareable message.
The Importance of a Leader’s Mindset
A leader’s attitude significantly impacts team dynamics. Being empathetic, open-minded, and fair ensures that all members feel heard and respected. This, in turn, enhances group cohesion, boosts confidence, and cultivates a positive environment conducive to collaboration.
Conclusion
Meaningful communication and leadership are built on respect, empathy, and clarity. By approaching conversations and discussions with a mindset geared toward understanding and collaboration, we not only build stronger relationships but also achieve greater success in collective endeavors. Whether initiating a dialogue, leading a team, or delivering a speech, the ability to connect and inspire is a skill that empowers individuals and communities alike.