Interview a Leader – Communication Styles in Action
The purpose of this assignment is for students to interview a leader (mentor, manager, professor, etc.) and gain insights into their communication styles. The focus will be on how leaders communicate effectively in both digital and in-person settings, and how they incorporate tone, context, empathy, and authenticity into their leadership communication. Students will then reflect on the leader’s communication strategies and consider how these practices can enhance their own leadership abilities.
- Choose a Leader to Interview
- Who to Choose: Select a leader you admire or work with (e.g., mentor, supervisor, or any professional/community leader).
- Request the Interview: Contact the leader (via email or in-person) and ask if they would be willing to participate in a 20-30 minute interview about their communication style. Be sure to let the interviewee know this is for a class and you will not be publishing the interview.
- Prepare Your Interview Questions
- Create 8-10 questions that will help you understand the leader’s communication style. Focus on digital vs. in-person communication, tone, empathy, authenticity, and how these elements contribute to their leadership.
- Sample Questions:
- How do you manage tone and context in both digital and face-to-face communication?
- Can you share an example of when empathy played a key role in resolving a leadership challenge?
- What strategies do you use to give effective feedback?
- Conduct the Interview
- Format: Interview the leader in person, by phone, or via video.
- Recording: If possible, record the interview (with permission) or take detailed notes.
- Be Professional: Start by thanking them for their time and explaining the purpose of your interview. Ask your questions and be prepared to follow up with more questions based on their responses.
- Write Your Interview Summary
- Summary (1-2 pages):
- Introduce the leader and summarize their key points regarding tone, context, empathy, and authenticity in communication.
- Include real-life examples the leader provided about using these communication elements effectively in leadership.
- Reflection (1-2 paragraphs):
- Reflect on what you learned from the interview. How did the leader’s communication style influence their leadership?
- Discuss how you plan to apply their strategies to your own leadership growth.
- Summary (1-2 pages):
Submission Instructions:
- Length: 2-3 pages (summary + reflection)
- Format: Double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins
- Submission: Submit as a Word document or PDF.
- This assignment will be assessed through Turnitin.
