597 Mastering Communication and Leadership with Karen Knab
Karen Knab, an executive leadership coach, discusses the importance of effective communication and leadership skills in the IT industry. Karen shares her insights on the different communication styles, the concept of a trusted advisor, and the role of non-verbal cues in conveying messages.
The road to successful leadership is paved with exceptional communication skills, and this episode lays out the map. We break down the science behind why we react the way we do and how understanding the four communication styles—aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, and assertive—can revolutionize our interpersonal relationships.
The episode begins with Marvin introducing Karen and her background as a marriage and family therapist before transitioning into executive leadership coaching. Karen emphasizes the importance of leadership skills, even for solopreneurs, as they are essential for managing customer and vendor relationships.
Decoding the Brain's Role in Leadership Communication
We venture into the realm of the human brain, dissecting how our prefrontal cortex and amygdala dictate our communicative behavior, particularly under stress. This neurological tour sets the stage for understanding why we react the way we do and how to harness the power of assertive communication.
The conversation then delves into the different components of communication - verbal and non-verbal. Karen highlights that non-verbal communication, which includes tone of voice, body language, and appearance, can make up 70 to 90% of our overall message. This becomes particularly important in written communication, such as emails and text messages, where non-verbal cues are absent.
The episode concludes with a teaser for the next episode of the podcast, where Karen will discuss the key to assertive communication.
Summary
- Nature's prefrontal cortex and amygdala affect communication styles, with the former enabling rational thought and the latter triggering fight or flight responses.
- Aggressive, passive, and passive-aggressive communication styles impact relationships and conflict resolution through verbal and nonverbal behaviors.
- Assertive communication is key for effective interactions, influenced by self-awareness and leadership development.
Links from the show
Website: https://karenknab.com/
=== Show Information
Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
Host: Marvin Bee
Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
Become a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcast?
One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv
=== Music:
Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
Author: AlexanderRufire
License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024
Karen Knab
Executive Leadership Coach
Karen Knab is an executive leadership coach and conflict resolution expert. Her coaching focuses on turning ANY business owner into a confident and assertive leader, whether they lead people directly, or indirectly as solopreneurs. She also provides targeted conflict resolution services within leadership teams and business partnerships. Her background as a relationship therapist plays heavily into her ability to help groups resolve conflict quickly and effectively. She has been in the mental health field since 2003 and a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2014, working in leadership positions along the way. Follow Karen on LinkedIn and contact her for complimentary discovery call to learn more about how you can transform your leadership style.
