VGCC Library Services: BUS 270: Professional Development: Relationships&nbsp;

Ch. 9: Communication

Books & Ebooks

If book is available online, click title to access it. Off-campus users will be prompted to sign in with their myVGCC (WebAdvisor) login and password.

AMA Handbook of Business Writing by Kevin Wilson; Jennifer Wauson
ISBN: 9780814415894
Publication Date: 2010-08-04
Takes the guesswork out of writing more than 50 commonly used business documents. Also available in print reference at all campuses.
Effective Presenting by Brian Salter
Call Number: HF 5718.22 .S25 2009
ISBN: 9780340985182
Publication Date: 2009
Available in print at all VGCC campuses.
The Presentation Lab: Learn the Formula Behind Powerful Presentations by Simon Morton
ISBN: 9781118687000
Publication Date: 2014
Available online.
Winning Body Language by Mark Bowden
ISBN: 9780071700573
Publication Date: 2010-04-07
"You'll discover how to sit, stand, and subtly alter your body language to move with confidence, control conversations, command attention, persuade and influence others, and convey positive energy―without saying a word."

Online Resources

10 Tips for Effective Workplace Communication
Concrete suggestions for making communication work well at the office.
11 Worst Body Language Mistakes Professionals Make
Explains how certain nonverbal cues can make a negative impression in the workplace.
Business Body Language: Handshakes, Eye Contact, Posture, and Smiles
Advice on how to use certain kinds of body language in a business setting.
Communication Skills - MindTools
This page approaches several different communication styles, such as in-person communication, presentations, and communication in writing.
Developing Effective Communication Skills
Published by a peer-reviewed journal, this article explains what it takes to develop effective communication skills. Also addresses effective e-mail communication.
Effective Communication - HelpGuide.org
HelpGuide.org is a non-profit guide to mental health and well-being. This article defines effective communication and outlines steps to improve communication skills.
I Won’t Hire People Who Use Poor Grammar. Here’s Why.
One CEO explains why he sees grammar as so important to professional success.
Improving Communication - Developing Effective Communication Skills
"Effective communication is a key interpersonal skill and learning how we can improve our communication has many benefits."
Purdue OWL: Professional Technical Writing
Instructions and tips on writing for the workplace, including specific sections on writing letters, memos, grants, and reports. Produced by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL).
Your Bad Grammar at Work: What's the Problem?
Examines how language and what's considered proper usage changes over time, but that erring on the side of formality is best in business. Concludes with a list of common grammar mistakes and how to fix them.

Ch. 10: Electronic Communications

Books & Ebooks

If book is available online, click title to access it. Off-campus users will be prompted to sign in with their myVGCC (WebAdvisor) login and password.

Please note: Many of the the books listed earlier that discuss workplace communication in general also include sections on electronic communication.

Social Media Bible: Tactics, Tools, and Strategies for Business Success by Lon Safko
ISBN: 9781118269749
Publication Date: 2012
Available online.
Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and More) that Engage Customers and Ignite Your Business by Ann Handley; C. C. Chapman
Call Number: PROF HF 5415.1265 .H3577 2012
ISBN: 9781118232606
Publication Date: 2012
Available online and in print at Main Campus.

Online Resources

10 Unwritten Laws of Web Etiquette.
A list of do's and don'ts when using the web to communicate.
25 Tips for Perfecting Your Email Etiquette
Inc., a business magazine, details 25 short but important tips for being on your best email behavior.
8 Phone Etiquette Rules Every Professional Should Know
A list of clear rules to follow when using your phone for work.
Effective E-mail Communication - UNC-Chapel Hill
This page outlines what is and is not acceptable email communication.
Email 101
The basics on using email appropriately and safely.
Email Etiquette and the Perils of "Reply All"
The "reply all" function in email programs can be very useful. It can also be a curse if the sender isn't paying attention. Here are some guidelines for using it.
Get Organized: 11 Tips for Managing Email
Tips from PC Magazine on how to keep from being overwhelmed by your email Inbox.
How Social Media Can Help (Or Hurt) You in Your Job Search.
Examines the ways that hiring managers use social media to make hiring decisions.
Minding Your Manners When Sharing in Social Media.
A list of short but important tips for using all different kinds of social media.
Purdue OWL: Email Etiquette
Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a fantastic resource for anything having to do with writing. This is their guide for writing emails.

Ch. 11: Motivation, Leadership, & Teams

Books & Ebooks

If book is available online, click title to access it. Off-campus users will be prompted to sign in with their myVGCC (WebAdvisor) login and password.

"Group Dynamics" from Encyclopedia of Management by Gale
ISBN: 9781414459042
Publication Date: 2012
"Leadership Styles and Bases of Power" from Encyclopedia of Management by Gale
ISBN: 9781414459042
Publication Date: 2012
Encyclopedia article which includes descriptions of Lewin's three leadership styles.
Available online.
"Motivation and Motivation Theory" from Encyclopedia of Management by Gale
ISBN: 9781414459042
Publication Date: 2012
Encyclopedia article explains what motivation is and summarizes some of the main theories about it.
Available online.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
Call Number: HD 57.7 .M3937 2007
ISBN: 9780785288374
Publication Date: 2007
Available in print and on audio CD at Main Campus.
AMA Business Boot Camp: Management and Leadership Fundamentals That Will See You Successfully Through Your Career by Edward Reilly
Call Number: HD 38.2 .R45 2013
ISBN: 9780814420010
Publication Date: 2012
Available in print at Main, Franklin, and South Campuses.
Drucker on Leadership by William A. Cohen
Call Number: HD 57.7 .C6426 2010
ISBN: 9780470405000
Publication Date: 2009
Available in print at Main Campus.
Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fourth Edition by Jim Slaughter; Gaut Ragsdale; Jon L. Ericson
ISBN: 9780809332151
Publication Date: 2012
Available online.
Robert's Rules of Order in Brief by Henry M. Robert; William J. Evans; Daniel H. Honemann; Thomas J. Balch
Call Number: JF 515 .R65 2004
ISBN: 9780306813542
Publication Date: 2004
Available in print at Main Campus.
Team of Leaders: Empowering Every Member to Take Ownership, Demonstrate Initiative, and Deliver Results by Paul Gustavson; Stewart Liff
ISBN: 9780814434079
Publication Date: 2014
Available online.

Online Resources

6 Ways Successful Teams Are Built to Last
Explains strategies to encourage a team to be effective.
Abraham Maslow and the Pyramid that Beguiled Business
Describes the basics of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, discusses why it is interesting to business, and offers some of the criticisms that have been made of it.
Core Leadership Theories
Concisely describes a number of major theories of leadership and what they have to say about how a leader can be successful.
How to Become a Successful Young Leader at Work
An article and slideshow with strategies for younger, newer employees to successfully take on leadership roles at work.
McClelland's Human Motivation Theory
Briefly explains McClelland's theory of motivation and relates it to business and management.
What different types of teams are in the workplace?
Short descriptions of several different kinds of work teams.

Ch. 12: Conflict & Negotiation

Books & Ebooks

If book is available online, click title to access it. Off-campus users will be prompted to sign in with their myVGCC (WebAdvisor) login and password.

Conflict 101: A Manager's Guide to Resolving Problems So Everyone Can Get Back to Work by Susan H. Shearouse
ISBN: 9780814417119
Publication Date: 2011
Available online.
Coward's Guide to Conflict: Empowering Solutions for Those Who Would Rather Run Than Fight by Tim Ursiny
Call Number: PROF BF 637 .I48 U76 2003
ISBN: 1402200552
Publication Date: 2003
Available in print at Main and Franklin Campuses.
Harvard Business Review on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution by Harvard Business School Staff
Call Number: PROF HD 58.6 .H383 2000
ISBN: 9781578512362
Publication Date: 2000
Available in print at Main Campus.
Stand up for Yourself Without Getting Fired by Donna Ballman
ISBN: 9781601632357
Publication Date: 2012
Available online.
Understanding Workplace Violence: A Guide for Managers and Employees by Michele A. Paludi; Rudy V. Nydegger; Carmen A. Paludi
Call Number: HF 5549.5 .E43 P35 2006
ISBN: 9780275990862
Publication Date: 2006
Available in print at Main Campus.

Online Resources

Conflict Resolution: Using the "Interest-Based Relational" Approach
An article and video detailing the IBR method for dealing productively with conflict at work.
Confronting Conflict
Strategies human resources departments can use to deal proactively with interpersonal conflicts.
Off-campus users will need to sign in with their myVGCC (WebAdvisor) login and password.
OSHA: Workplace Violence
Information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) about workplace violence and what to do about it.
Secrets of Negotiating a Raise
Concrete suggestions when asking your boss for a raise.
What Do I Need to Know About Workplace Harassment?
Site from the U.S. Department of Labor that explains empolyees' rights when faced with harassment at work.