Effective communication is a key skill that all leaders must learn and develop. Communicating effectively does not only benefit the leader, it benefits the entire team. According to research, leaders with excellent communication skills have the ability to positively impact the organization (Harris, 2022). These benefits include positive employee engagement, healthier cultures, and a clear understanding of expectations (Harris, 2022). Therefore, leaders that develop effective communication skills better help organizations overcome challenges, achieve goals, and successfully scale the business.
So, how can great leaders effectively communicate? This article will go over key tips anyone can follow to become an excellent communicator in the workplace.
Great Leaders Communicate with Authenticity
The first step to communicating authentically is showing up as yourself. This includes having the courage to share your genuine thoughts, being transparent, and being vulnerable. While leaders need to exuberate a level of confidence and competency, showing vulnerability as a leader creates an enormous positive impact on the organization that just can’t be ignored! In fact, being vulnerable is required to be authentic. When leaders demonstrate authenticity and vulnerability in their words and actions, it has the ability to transform the organization for the better by fostering more engaged employees, a sense of trust, and a growth mindset of taking risks and learning (Gordon, 2019).
Great Leaders Know their Audiences and Consider their Perspective
Great leaders communicate with a focus on what people need to hear. They consider the perspective of others and deliver it in such a way that gets the message across. Great leaders don’t focus on the need to sound like an expert. Rather, they tailor their message to their audience in a way that is digestible, relatable, and easy to understand. That does not mean that leaders will sugarcoat their message to win the favor of others. Rather, they tell their audience what is good for them, even if it is not what they want to hear.
Great Leaders Listen and Ask Questions
Great leaders understand that communication is an interpersonal conversation where both parties learn and provide value for one another. When leaders are in conversation, they don’t think ahead and plan what they are going to say next. Rather, they are fully focused and immersed in what the other person has to say. Great leaders listen with intent and ask qualifying questions to make sure they are understanding the other person’s perspective. By being present in the conversation, leaders are able to find ways to provide the other person value – whether it is helping to solve a problem or simply just listening to what the other person has to say.
Bringing It All Together
All great leaders invest the time and effort to become great communicators. Communicating effectively creates many positive benefits for the company including healthier corporate cultures, a clear understanding of expectations, and higher employee engagement. Anyone can learn to become an excellent communicator by being authentic, considering the perspective of others, and simply being a good listener.
Consider scheduling a free session with me to improve your communication!
References
Gordon, S. (2019, June 18). Council post: Great cultures begin with authentic leaders. Forbes. Retrieved September 24, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/06/18/great-cultures-begin-with-authentic-leaders/?sh=6962a74576a7
Harris, L. (2022, January 6). Council post: Cognitive communication: Communicating to maximize excellence and business results. Forbes. Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2022/01/05/cognitive-communication-communicating-to-maximize-excellence-and-business-results/?sh=7b86c28913a1
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