Ineffective Meetings In order to be an effective leader, it is important to recognize the communication styles of one’s team members. One also has to know how to respond to these styles in order to keep a team meeting focused and on task. For Kerry, the problem is that there are many conflicting styles and not enough guidance from him in terms of maintaining attention to the problem at hand. This paper will describe the communication styles of the team members, show exactly where the meeting’s order was subverted, and discuss what Kerry might have done better in terms of using leadership skills and negotiation and conflict resolution strategies to get the meeting back on track.

The communication style for the various characters consisted of the following: Kerry uses a facilitative style in that he opens the meeting by identifying the problem and then allows others to talk. He also uses agency style in that at one point he stands and wave his arm as he tries to get control of the meeting back so that he can guide the discussion towards specific objectives. Aaron uses an agency style as well as passive-aggressive style. His body language is passive and submissive but his words are direct and signal that he wants to solve the issue. Stephanie uses a communal style and a passive-aggressive or hostile style. Her body language is passive-aggressive: she pushes her chair back from the table in a manner that is hostile and crosses...

Jerry uses a commanding style: his body language expresses a desire to take charge and he tries to pacify Barbara by motioning his hands and arms to calm down. His words are supportive but the way in which he conveys this information seems out of place and unreassuring. Clio uses a submissive style by saying nothing but deferring to her own boss Jerry with a glance. Seeli uses a passive-aggressive style and her eyes popping indicates that she wants to be both relaxed and have the right to be shocked and offended; Julio uses passive-aggressive style in that he patiently waits his turn and then sighs to let everyone know that he is patiently waiting; and Dr. Schmidt uses commanding style by standing up to get everyone’s attention and posing a question to try to get to see his point of view.
Progress on the goal of the meeting was subverted the moment Barbara started in with her complaints and worries. She was expressing an anxiety about an issue that was…