Avoid barking at employees and team members, advised Prof. Mohammad Ngoma, the Dean Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
Prof. Mohammad Ngoma, the Dean Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
“When you bark and shout at people, they get scared. By shouting at them, you make the part of the brain that listens to shut down, “ he explained.
He made the remarks at the Rotary Club of Nakawa, Kampala, e-fellowship on the theme: “Communication strategies for effective leadership. “
Prof. Ngoma notes that, it is common in some companies and enterprises in Uganda to find some leaders and managers barking at their subordinates.
The result of such shouting leads to emotional distress, under-productivity, loss of concentration at those shouted at. “When you bark and shout at people, they get scared. By shouting at them, you make the part of the brain that listens to shut down,
the reptilia part of the brain opens up,” he said. According to scientists, the reptilian or primal brain is in control of innate and automatic self-preserving behavior patterns, which ensure our survival and that of the human species. He explained further that when you shout at a child to bring a plate, the child will run in fear and instead will bring a cup.
To subordinates when the boss shouts at you, respond by reflection, by suppressing your emotions, and withholding the immediate response, and the boss will feel guilty.
Sharing his personal experience with his supervisor shouting at him in the office. He suppressed his emotions and response at that moment,and waited when the boss had cooled down and approached him. “I asked him why do you shout? He felt guilty,”
Prof. Ngoma notes that shouting back at people is not a solution. Many leaders are good at speaking but poor at listening. The leader should create an environment that makes people listen. Build trust, rapport and people will listen to you.
Leaders must be considerate and give morale to their team for its success.
“Listening is animportant skill that can break or make communication difficult. Learn when to talk and listen as a leader” he said