Rising Entertainment

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He should be assertive in his approach while communicating his ideas-should bring about negotiation as strong quality in himself so that his ideas may be implemented partially on test basis. He should use convergent rhetoric while expressing his ideas.He should avoid conflict communication traits of competing and avoidance. He should think more in the direction of accommodating and collaboration. On one hand, it’s good to communicate one’s ideas but on other hand, Josh needs to understand and apply principles of team work. It’s a huge risk on Josh’s part to directly approach CEO because a powerful person if positively disposed can give benefits but if negatively disposed- can create great damages to one’s career. Also, such a step is highly damaging to team morale.

- Recommendations for Sarah/ Gen X Employers

Sarah needs to apply leadership communication skills while dealing with his subordinates like Josh. She needs to be motivating, polite and appreciative towards Josh on the foundation of compassion and not just as per HR directives. Emotional care carries immense meaning in leader follower relationship. She should not cut-off a conversation without expressing that when will it be continued and brought to a logical conclusion. She had cut-off the conversation with Josh when he was trying to get logical answers from her that why his ideas can’t be implemented. Such interactions create great damage to leader follower relationship. By such interaction, Sarah subtly communicated to Josh that she doesn’t care much about his ideas.

Although having good intent in her mind, she had planned to clarify with Josh about his ideas after the presentation with CEO- motivated by HR directive, but that would be too late for her to do that. This is because after the presentation, Josh’s ideas will not be in a position to get implemented and hence a clarification meeting with Josh after presentation with CEO would hold no meaning. Although Sarah has 10 years of experience, she needs to be broadminded while listening to others ideas and seriously consider them for implementation. Such ideas by younger generation are like an asset to the company which can be converted into great profits if properly utilized. Sarah should have asked Josh to make a PowerPoint presentation comparing the proposed marketing approach and the traditional marketing approach. And then she may have shown selective points to CEO for implementation if appropriate.

Following leadership communication, Sarah needs to emphatically explain the importance of team work to Josh. She needs to explain to him that it’s justified to communicate one’s ideas but one should not be attached to getting them implemented at all costs. If team feels that it will help the organisation goals, only then those ideas will be implemented. Sarah can utilize modes of persuasion (ethos, logos, pathos) to convey her point of view to Josh. Sarah needs to clearly layout her expectations to Josh like she doesn’t expect him to approach CEO directly in the interests of their team and teamwork. She should also avoid conflict communication traits of competing and avoidance. She should use convergent rhetoric while communicating with Josh.

- Conclusion

Hence, Gen X Employers and Gen Y Employees can work effectively together if they follow the above recommendations. The answers to all three questions asked are addressed in the recommendations given above.

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