18. Be a Better Leader by Being a Better Communicator ...Today! - Dr. Ryan Bisel

LeadershipCommunications

Sep 30

Written By Julie Confer

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Overview

Meet Dr. Ryan Bisel. Ok. We'll admit it. Many nonprofit leaders have poor communication. The Professor of Organizational Communication talks through keeping focus on meaning and connects it as the lifeblood of successful nonprofit leaders. He's got practical advice for connection and drafting two-sided messages. He even shares some of the great outcomes from his students' social/business projects: the Do Good Project.

“Great leaders find opportunities and moments to make connections happen.”

— Dr. Ryan Bisel, Professor of Organizational Communication, University of Oklahoma

Keep focus on meaning: get donors and staff engaged with the beneficiaries of their work
Ryan’s 5 hallmarks of great leadership
Advice for organization leaders during COVID-19, the future of the workplace, and communicating more effectively with their teams
The creation of The “Do Good” Project and some of the outcomes from his college students

Powerful Quotes:

“Ask yourself: When was the last time our people had contact with the beneficiaries of the work we are doing?” -Ryan

“Great leaders find opportunities and moments to make connections happen.” -Ryan

“We are more persistent and productive at our work when we are connected to our beneficiaries.” -Ryan

“Don’t forget to focus on your most important constituency - your internal team.” -Becky

“This is a time when people really need meaning, and they really need each other.” -Ryan

“We wanted to set up situations where our students could surprise themselves at what they could potentially do, especially when they care so much that they disagree with each other.” -Ryan

“Our students define for themselves what “Doing Good” means.” -Ryan

“Those students become physical embodiments of pushing goodness forward.” -Becky

“The need is great, and it is all around us. Focus on the meaning.” -Ryan

“I find a lot of prayer and patience is very helpful when we are trying to do good. It reminds me that it is not about me, and what is in my control I am responsible for. I can show up and do my part consistently.” -Ryan

Hallmarks of Great Leadership