From the Inside Out: How Your Own View of Reality Shapes Communication Goals

Dr. Joanne E. Nottingham 2

Mental Models

Provide an internal guide if they are clear images and are consistently used

Have 2 dimensions if they are good: Complexity (for more linkages)

Reminding (from more experiences)

Both dimensions maximize the leader’s ability to “govern” the ideas of vision, mission, & strong set of values.

Dr. Joanne E. Nottingham 3

Mental Models

3 Components:

VISION – helps to see the picture of the future, that which the leader wants to create

MISSION – helps focus energies & promote the use of resources regarding what is & is not important

VALUES – define what really matters & remind leader of the standards to strive for in the realization of the mission and vision

Dr. Joanne E. Nottingham 4

6 Types of Goals for Framing(are represented as defined)

Task Goals -

Relationship Goals – the usual things that are often indirectly expressed

Identity Goals – the self-image presented in conversations

Dr. Joanne E. Nottingham 5

6 Types of Goals for Framing, continued(are represented as defined)

Short Term Goals – those steps taken towards achieving global goals

Emergent Goals – intermediate goals that are set “on the spot” to support global goals

Global/Long Term Goals -

Dr. Joanne E. Nottingham 6

MENTAL MODELSX

SPECIFIC CONTEXT(S)=

COMMUNICATION GOAL(S)

Dr. Joanne E. Nottingham 7

Goal Analysis

Mager’s technique for the purpose of defining goals and making them tangible

Assists in more clearly defining the task, relationship, and identity communication goals

Clearer definitions allow leader to know when to be more or less ambiguous in goal statements

Dr. Joanne E. Nottingham 8

Intentional Ambiguity

Note the reasons for it and the examples of it, in the AOF

Assists you in answering the question, “How specific should my various communication goals be, given the situation?” (1996, p. 37)