Good communication key to becoming better leader
Sally Ward
WOMEN AT WORK
Sally Ward
Talk is easy. Communicating effectively is not.
Masterly communication is the essential underpinning for every effective leader, healthy organization and relationship. With it, leaders have the ability to build the connection and shared understanding that lead to clarity, trust and respect.
As James Humes, speechwriter for several U.S. presidents puts it: "Every time you have to speak, you are auditioning for leadership."
To improve your leadership communication skills:
· Write a personal mission statement. Identify the values and beliefs that are your anchors. Let this framework be your platform and guide to "walk your talk."
· Ask more questions. Thoughtful, open-ended queries that begin with "what" or "how" are powerful ways to stimulate dialogue. Clarifying questions such as "What do you mean by that?" will help avert misunderstandings and mistaken assumptions.
· Create a safe, open environment for feedback. When employees or other stakeholders are marginalized for bringing concerns forward, vital information is submerged and trust quickly erodes.
· Invite your stakeholders to help design products and solutions. Stimulate buy-in and loyalty with this move that says, "We hear you; we respect you. We are here to meet your needs."
· Hold informal one-to-one meetings. There's no better way to find out what's going well and what could be going better with your employees, customers, board members or other constituents.
· Acknowledge disappointing results and your role in them. Challenges and roadblocks are part of the landscape. By conveying what you've learned from them and how you'll commit to applying that in the future, you'll help your organization emerge stronger and prove yourself more credible.
· Be sure your nonverbal communication is consistent with your message. Make eye contact when speaking to establish a connection. Remember that your body posture, facial expressions and gestures speak volumes about your intentions and degree of interest.
· Listen actively. Give the gift of your presence by really paying attention to what people have to say. The caveat is not to focus on being interesting, but rather to concentrate on being interested.
· Provide updates early and often. This practice acquires additional urgency during times of stress and change, when uncertainty can breed rumor and impedes morale and productivity.
· Be visible. "Management by walking around" opens lines of conversation and information sharing. The opportunity to gain greater awareness of employees' contributions is an added bonus.
· Focus on the future. Reinforce the mission and goals of the organization by linking them to personal and organizational efforts. Imagine an exciting destination, ripe with possibility and encourage others to join with you in creating the roadmap to get there.
Sally Ward is president of Ward Leadership, an executive coaching and leadership development company. Contact her at www.WardLeadership.com.
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This column is written by members of the Rochester Women's Network, whose focus is to help women connect, grow and succeed. For more information, go to www.rwn.org.
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