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Effective Communication : An Effective Change Agent

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Effective communication allows the leader to properly pass along information, lower any confusion or angst, as well as foster open communication from employees (Appelbaum, et al, 2015; Meredith, 2013). Fear of change may result in erratic behavior, communication helps to calm fears and address any issues that may arise. The third important characteristic of an effective change agent is the ability to set an example for others. According to Anderson and Anderson (2010) "Behavior speaks to more than just overt actions: It describes the style, tone, or character that permeates what people do" (p. 35). Leaders must exemplify the type of attitude that reflects what they would like to see in their employees. It is important that everyone is …show more content…

There is not one leadership style that will work for every situation, just as there are multiple ways to go about implementing change (Appelbaum, et al, 2015; Meredith, 2013). Flexibility is integral to understanding how to work toward a goal, regardless of deterrents.
Ethical principles and change
It is important to consider ethical principles in any process of business. Burnes and By (2012) argued that "all leadership styles and all approaches to change are rooted in a set of values, some of which are more likely to lead to ethical outcomes than others." (p. 239). Change leaders can integrate ethical principles into a change process through their own actions. Change leaders set an example for others and act in unselfish ways that would benefit the organization as a whole (Burnes & By, 2012). Leaders can help to integrate ethics into all processes, and help facilitate healthy change, through the organizational culture they help to create. Okpara (2014) mentioned that "Culture on the other hand, has been described as one of the important factors that influence business ethical decision-making" (p. 176). Facilitating healthy change into an organization also occurs when employees have had a healthy experience with change initiatives in the past, so leaders should seriously consider the welfare of employees when making decisions.

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