In order to be a great leader, one must possess and cultivate certain characteristics and skills. One of the most important skills to perfect is effective communication. Most leaders spend much of their time engaging in some sort of interpersonal setting each day, and it is impossible to lead and inspire others without communicating in a concise, effective and genuine fashion.
Of course, there is so much more to communicating that just articulation, grammar and proper speech. The key to effective communication is to develop an awareness beyond yourself. By reading the dynamics of the external situation, you will be able to adjust your delivery for the most effective and satisfactory experience for all who are involved.
Here are some things to keep in mind when communicating with others.
1. Be genuine. Of course, people will be more likely to open up and receive information and direction from those they trust. Trust is best fostered by consistently aligning your actions with your words, being yourself and showing genuine interest in others.
2. Be open. Practice having an open mind and be open to suggestion. Having a stern, close minded approach is a surefire way to obstruct new possibilities.
3. Be observant. Try to read the dynamics of the situation. Are people losing interest? Are they confused? Do they seem unhappy? A great leader can adjust their delivery to suit the needs of the situation and those involved.
4. Listen up! When communicating effectively, you’ve got to check your ego at the door. Think dialogue, not monologue.
5. Focus on contribution. Instead of being concerned solely with receiving what you need from others, focus on transferring and aligning ideas and expectations. When everyone is on the same page, everything will fall into place.
6. Be authentically you. Don’t try to conform to the stereotypical corporate speech and jargon. Use your own words and be who you are. Of course certain times will call for more professionalism, but never lose your own voice. That’s not to say that you should let grammar and proper speech go out the window, but focus on being real, not just being eloquent and proper.
7. Keep it simple. Find a way to make complex information more easy to swallow. With all the information being thrown at employees all day long, being concise and simple is key. Try to use simple, memorable words to ensure mutual understanding.
