The Unsaid in the Boardroom
July 17, 2024
Dr. Marilieke Engbers will join the next masterclass. She has extensively researched communication and decision-making in the boardroom, focusing on the "unspoken." She highlights how unspoken thoughts, feelings, and opinions significantly influence decisions and dynamics at the top levels of organizations (Engbers, 2021).
Importance of the Unspoken: Engbers emphasizes that the unspoken is often as crucial as what is said. Unvoiced concerns or disagreements can lead to suboptimal decisions.
Reasons for Silence: Factors like power dynamics, fear of conflict, political maneuvering, and the desire for harmony can keep thoughts unspoken.
Consequences of the Unspoken: The unspoken can lead to a lack of transparency and trust, which can erode the quality of decisions. Vital information may be overlooked or dismissed, highlighting the need to address unspoken concerns.
Addressing the Unspoken: Dr. Engbers advocates for creating a safe environment where all members feel empowered to voice their thoughts and concerns without fear of reprisal. This is a crucial step in improving decision-making processes within organizations.
Engbers' research underscores the complexity of communication at the highest organizational levels and provides insights on improving decision-making by addressing both the spoken and the unspoken. She also emphasizes the role of emotions and emotional intelligence. Understanding and empathizing with one's and others' feelings is essential in navigating the rational aspects of organizational interactions.
Register for 19 & 20 September 2024: https://www.universityofgovernance.com/master-class-governance
Miguel Goede
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