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Expert: - 4/8/2010


Question
QUESTION: Does a managers leadership style affect his or her communication style? If so, how? Is it possible to be an effective leader and a poor communicator? Why?

ANSWER: Why do you ask, Mary?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It's for a class discussion. I was just looking for ideas.

ANSWER: Thank you, Mary. That's helpful.

For a class discussion, I think the ideas should be yours, and not mine or anyone else's. However, I recognize that I probably have a few years of business experience on you here, so let me propose this deal to you:

If you'll provide YOUR answers to those questions, along with good explanations, then I'll be glad to offer you some feedback. That will likely come in the form of questions that I will formulate as I'm reading what you wrote.

Do we have a deal? I hope so, but I have only 50% control here.

Warren

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm just having a hard time getting started with ideas.

Answer
Mary, I want to help, but I will not do this for you. You just have to start. Let's say your answer to the first question is "Yes." How would you then respond to question #2: "If so, how?"

Then answer the first question "No," and see how your answer to the second question changes. Of course, the way question #2 is now written, if your answer to question #1 were "No," you wouldn't have to answer question #2 because it appear to be relevant ONLY if your answer to question #1 is "Yes." Ditto for question #4.

To pick up the "No" answer for question #1, question #2 should read: "If so or if not, how?" To do the same for question #3, question #4 should read: "Why or why not?"

Think about the differences in style and communications skills between Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Maybe that'll help get you started.

Good luck. Let me hear from you again. If I'm going to do any more for you, I'm going to have to see a lot more from you instead of "I can't" or "I'm having trouble." You have to help yourself first.

Take care--

Warren

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Warren D. Miller

Expertise

I believe I can answer nearly any question about business writing. That goes in spades if the target audience is a lay readership. I make my living writing and speaking. N.B.: I DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS MARKED 'PRIVATE' because I believe that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. I also believe such questions are likely to be submitted by people trying to cheat. In addition, don't waste your time asking me to write something for you. You don't learn anything if I do that. I'm happy to critique something that YOU write, of course. That's the best way for you to learn how to write well.

Experience

My profession is business valuation, which means appraising businesses whose shares are not publicly traded. This requires in-depth knowledge about a number of disciplines, including economics, finance, strategic management, accounting, anthropology, statistics, and psychology. The left-brain part of me must conduct rigorous research and financial analysis. The right-brain side must then separate what matters from what doesn't and then explain it all in writing (and in everyday English) to people (usually business owners, but sometimes judges and juries) who do not have the expertise that I have been lucky enough to acquire over the years. I love what I do and consider myself fortunate to live in a country where I can do what I love doing and make a nice living doing it. I am glad to help with writing issues, but NOT, please, with any valuation, business consulting, or other non-writing questions.

Organizations
CFA Institute, American Society of Appraisers, Strategic Management Society, Academy of Management, Culver Legion, National Association of Scholars.

Publications
Besides two published books (search for "Warren D. Miller" on Amazon), I have written for the Harvard Business Review, American Fly Fisher, Business Valuation Review, CPA Expert, Academy of Management Executive, CFA Digest, Valuation Strategies, and others.

Education/Credentials
MBA - Oklahoma State U. (1991); BBA - U. of Oklahoma (1975); Chartered Financial Analyst designation (2006) Accredited Senior Appraiser (2006) Certified Public Accountant (1992)

Awards and Honors
Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year (2001) - American Institute of CPAs Winner - Oklahoma Humorous-Speaking Contest - Toastmasters International (1971)

Past/Present Clients
Confidential.

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