DESCRIPTION:

This course focuses on the interpersonal communication of leaders primarily in ministry settings. Students will explore several dimensions that impact the effectiveness of interpersonal communication such as perception, listening, and language; communication competencies; interpersonal processes; channels; and communication networks. Biblical examples of interpersonal communication will also be investigated. Students will study models of effective leadership in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. These dimensions, biblical examples, and models will be discussed in terms of how they affect communication with those we minister to: superiors, peers, team members, committees and congregations.

Students who are most successful in this class will be expected to: (1) define interpersonal communication, leadership and leadership effectiveness, and explain their relationship; (2) frame messages from a receptor-orientation/decenter; (3) demonstrate an ability to communicate outside of one's own context; (4) identify personal strengths and weaknesses in communicating interpersonally within organizational and ministry settings and gain skills for on-going self-assessment; (5) research and assess the interpersonal communication within an organizational or ministry setting, and be able to execute future assessments; (6) demonstrate an awareness of the relationship between interpersonal communication and conflict, negotiation, creative thinking, facilitation, and organizational design/development; (7) distinguish between interpersonal communication and other levels of communication and discuss how these levels interact; (8) synthesize how the information learned in this class personally impacts their leadership.

This highly interactive class will meet over the duration of two weeks, daily, for four hours. Time in class is spent listening to lectures, engaging in class discussion, participating in experiential exercises, and delivering oral presentations. Time outside of class is devoted to reading, applied research, and writing one paper.

Greenleaf, R. K. Seeker and Servant: Reflections on Religious Leadership. ed. Anne T. Fraker and Larry C. Spears. Jossey-Bass, 1996.

Hackman, Michael Z. and Craig E. Johnson. Leadership: A Communication Perspective. 3rd ed. Waveland Press, 2001.

Matusak, Larraine R. Finding Your Voice: Learning to Lead... Anywhere You Want to Make a Difference. Jossey Bass, 1997.

Willmot, W. and Joyce L. Hocker. Interpersonal Conflict. 6th ed. McGraw Hill, 2001.

Selected Readings.

Regular attendance and class participation is mandatory. Assigned readings for which students complete 3-5 pages of notes and personal reflections for each. Synthesize the readings into a final 12-15 page discussion which includes an assessment of the current status of the interpersonal communication within a church/organization and what this assessment means for leadership (due the week after class). Present findings from the assessment to the class.