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Application: Communication Styles Assignment
Liberty University
BUSI675: Human Resource Analysis (B01)
Professor Mary Jo Odom-Dull
August 31, 2025
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Introduction
Organizational decision-making, leadership, and professional relationships show direct
effects from communication styles. The case of Thomas Lynch shows how unconscious bias and
communication perceptions influence career advancement. Lynch's reflective communication
style shows many strengths. Nevertheless, his quiet demeanor created challenges for his
consideration of the senior position. This challenge shows how unconscious bias causes
organizations to undervalue individuals whose communication patterns do not match traditional
expectations of extroverted leadership. Reflective communicators bring important assets to
organizations, including careful listening, ethical consideration, and long-term strategic thought.
This paper evaluates how Lynch convinces others of his leadership potential by using the
qualities of his reflective communication style. It also analyzes the risks of adopting behaviors
inconsistent with his authentic personality.
Steps Lynch Can Take to Convince Others
To show his potential for senior leadership, Lynch should emphasize his reflective
communication style. Reflective communicators listen attentively, process thoroughly, and make
deliberate decisions. The traits serve a purpose in executive positions, where one must solve
complex problems and use good judgment. Research supports that when communication
matches expectations of decisiveness, it builds trust.
Lynch can also use methods to make his abilities more visible. As an example, he could
direct important projects that show his decision-making skills. He could also present
recommendations, with much data during executive meetings, and he could provide reports
that have clear outcomes. Such actions appeal to directive decision makers, who like evidence
and speed. But Lynch should not give up his reflective style. He should, with much flexibility,
focus on clarity and structure when he talks to senior leaders. Peterson (2022) writes that
leaders who change their communication styles for a purpose increase their influence and
perceived ability.
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Biblical wisdom also states that showing strengths through humility and clarity has importance.
Proverbs 22:29 (ESV) says, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings, he
will not stand before obscure men.” By showing good communication and leadership, Lynch can
get trust without giving up who he really is.
Best Qualities of the Reflective Communication Style
The reflective style of Lynch connects to several good points that prove him useful for a
company. Reflective communicators ask good questions, process facts with care, and build trust
when they listen (Reece & Reece, 2017). The qualities mean that decisions are not quick, and
that people involved feel heard. Babalola et al. (2019) state that leaders who balance ethical
thought with action cause better employee involvement.
Reflective communicators often find insightful opportunities that other people do not
see. By paying attention to small facts and not making quick decisions, Lynch finds future risks
but also chances. Such points are important in senior positions that need both a plan and good
sense. Moslehpour et al. (2024) also state that ways of speaking that link to cultural
understanding, as well as social skills, improve teamwork. This is necessary in varied company
settings.
Risks of Inauthentic Extroversion
If Lynch chose an extroverted, loud style, he would appear inauthentic. Colleagues who know
his quiet communication may find the behavior forced. Research shows that leaders who
change their communication patterns usually lose trust and credibility (Ruben & Gigliotti, 2021).
Also, trying to act like an extrovert may take away from his natural abilities, like careful listening
and sound decision-making. Much focus on being social could hurt the thoughtful way that
helped him achieve success. Bath and Bawa (2023) also state that communication plans must be
honest to maintain trust and usefulness. From the Bible, Ephesians 4:25 (ESV) tells people to be
honest: "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his
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neighbor, for we are members one of another." Pretending to be someone else could just hurt
Lynch's leadership path.
Conclusion
The reflective communication style of Thomas Lynch, while sometimes overlooked,
offers qualities for senior leadership roles. His ability to listen, analyze situations, and respond
with thought provides for balanced decisions. Organizations need patience, analysis, and
humility. The reflective strengths give ethical, lasting choices. The structured communication,
the data insights, along with the leadership opportunities, present Lynch as competent and
indispensable to the success of the organization. At the same time, Lynch must recognize the
danger of overcompensation. He could adopt behaviors inconsistent with his actual style.
Attempting to become an extroverted personality could erode the trust he built and diminish his
credibility.
The path forward is about flexing strategically, emphasizing results, clarity, and
confidence while retaining his reflective core. When embraced and combined with adaptive
strategies, reflective communication positions Lynch to succeed as a leader who is effective and
principled; his case demonstrates that communication styles are not limitations but assets when
applied with thought.
References
Babalola, M. T., Stouten, J., Camps, J., & Euwema, M. (2019). When do ethical leaders become
Less effective? The moderating role of perceived leader power and follower
conservatism. Journal of Business Ethics, 158(3), 763–777. https://ideas.repec.org
Bath, J. K., & Bawa, A. (2023). The role of consumer face restoration in communicative efforts by
service firms to obtain consumer forgiveness, consumer trust, and consumer
reconciliation. Journal of Consumer Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction, and Complaining
Behavior, 36(2), 115–138.
Moslehpour, M., Kurrahman, T., & Sulistiawan, J. (2024). How does cultural intelligence
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influence teamwork capability? The role of leader emergence and relational
identification. Engineering Economics, 35(1), 90–101.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378511547
Peterson, S. J. (2022). Flexing your leadership style: By making key choices about how to
communicate, leaders can improve the likelihood of being followed. The School
Administrator, 79(6), 21.
Reece, B. L., & Reece, M. (2017). Effective human relations: Interpersonal and organizational
applications (13th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.
Ruben, B. D., & Gigliotti, R. A. (2021). Explaining incongruities between leadership theory and
practice: Integrating theories of resonance, communication, and systems. Leadership &
Organization Development Journal, 42(6), 942–957. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-02-
2021-0072
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2001). Crossway Bibles.
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