The Principal's Office: How the Powerful Communicate

Remember when you were called in to see the principal? Never a good feeling because the only time the principal wanted to see you was for something you did wrong. When you arrived in their office with sweaty palms and heart racing, the news was good-you were nominated to represent your class in a parade. Whew! All that anxiety. Then your relief quickly turned to anger because for the entire day you were anxious for no good reason.
Often those in authority are unaware of the outsize weight their words and tone carry.  According to Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia business school, the problem is that the powerful are often oblivious to their impact. It is a phenomenon he has labeled the "power amplification effect." He suggested that three types of communication have the potential to become amplified by power.
So listen up if you are in a position of power. Here are some of his recommendations:

(1) Direct communication
The feedback from the powerful -whether positive or negative-easily becomes amplified. Think of a time you were given direct feedback from a person in a power position. You felt devastated. The same person pays you a compliment and now you have a skip in your step!

(2) Ambiguity
"I need to talk to you later." That statement is filled with ambiguity. Is it trivial or important? There was nothing in the statement that offered a clue. Generally, ambiguity causes more anxiety -the not knowing-than a negative clue. Because the powerful have the right to punish others, seemingly straight forward requests can incite unchecked worry.

(3) Silence
One of the biggest mistakes corporations make is during turbulent times the leaders go silent. Employees fears run wild with worst-case thoughts.

Women and the Split-Ear Advantage

Listening is a part of the female job description and the key component in facilitating interpersonal relationships. The famous horse behavioral expert Monty Roberts' has made observations of an alpha mare meting out discipline to a herd of wild mustangs. . ..watch

Audrey is a role model for her philosophy and tools. She is the change!

Laurie Shumake
Newmont Mining Corporation

Great job. Just great information all around that I can use on a daily basis.

Melissa Murphy
Newmont Mining Corporation

Hi Audrey!
You spoke at two separate real estate conferences for us a few ( 10 – 12?) years ago. You were very well received!
We have a conference scheduled in Snowmass, Colorado...........

Marie Kline | Director of External Relations
Franklin L. Burns School | Real Estate and Construction Management
Daniels College of Business | University of Denver

P.S. - I LOVED your last newsletter, and what you were saying about women and apologies.  I often find myself doing EXACTLY THOSE THINGS!  The validation is so... VALIDATING!  Lately, one of my specific goals has  been to STOP apologizing for everything I do and recognize the worth of my actions, words, and feelings, and to stop assigning unnecessary blame to myself.  So the timing of your newsletter was impeccable!  I notice now, I will say or do something WITHOUT an apology attached, and my husband will respond with "That's OK...".  I have to keep pointing out to him that I don't come with an apology attached to myself these days.  You are so very good at what you do, and the voice is much appreciated on this end!  Be well, Audrey!

Kristen Gacoin
Farmer's Insurance