Mastering Leadership Through Communication
Does this sound familiar? You receive a text message: HOW R U? Your response out of a range of possibilities: somewhere between GR8 and NC! So in the latter case, how many text messages do you think might follow – more than 1, 2 or 3 to get to know the real truth of the NC mystery, which could have been solved by a phone call? Text messages are a great check-in tool, however technology can hide people and reality from the truth and then, unresolved matters start and lurk in the shadow of our personalities, creating a difference between our true self and what we display to the world. There is a solution however! By understanding more about personality types, communication styles and effective communication techniques as a leader you will know how to communicate to lead. Remember it is simply impossible to become a great leader without being a great communicator!
“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the President of the University” Albert Einstein
Great Leaders are Great Communicators
A Forbes article by Mike Myatt outlines “10 Communication Secrets of Great Leaders” and shows that it is simply impossible to become a great leader without being a great communicator. From our earliest days in the classroom we are trained to focus on enunciation, vocabulary, presence, delivery, grammar, syntax and the like. In other words, we are taught to focus on ourselves. It’s the more subtle elements of communication rarely taught in the classroom (the elements that focus on others), which leaders desperately need to learn.
It is the ability to develop a keen external awareness that separates the truly great communicators from those who muddle through their interactions with others. Examine the world’s greatest leaders and you’ll find them all to be exceptional communicators. They might talk about their ideas, but they do so in a way which also speaks to your emotions and your aspirations. Effective communication is an essential component of professional success whether it is at the interpersonal, inter-group, intra-group, organizational, or external level.
The number one thing great communicators have in common is that they possess a heightened sense of situational and contextual awareness. The message is not about the messenger; it has nothing to do with messenger; it is however 100% about meeting the needs and the expectations of those you’re communicating with. So, how do you know when your skills have matured to the point that you’ve become an excellent communicator? Consistently use the following ten principles:
- Speak not with a forked tongue
- Get personal
- Get specific
- Focus on the leave-behinds not the take-aways
- Have an open mind
- Shut-up and listen
- Replace ego with empathy
- Read between the lines
- When you speak, know what you’re talking about
- Speak to groups as individuals
- Bonus principle: Be prepared to change the message if needed
Most importantly of all, keep in mind that communication is not about you, your opinions, your positions or your circumstances. It’s about helping others by meeting their needs, understanding their concerns, and adding value to their world. Do these things and you’ll drastically reduce the number of communications problems you’ll experience moving forward.
A leader must be able to Communicate Effectively
In my blog “My Leadership is being tested and what I did about it” I indicated that I wished we were seeing more leadership around the pandemic. We need to be still and reflect on our words, actions and leadership. In turn, this is where our leadership is critical for our teams and organisations – a focus on LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE not the crisis.
Also as a leader, you are already responsible for handling the situations that arise each day, as well as your regular duties. These are the four leadership skills that leaders must have in order to navigate any situations effectively:
- Adaptability (Creativity)
- Self-Control
- Relationship Management
- Communication
Communication in particular is critical for any leader to excel in and it’s most crucial during a crisis. Timely, concise and clear communication in a calm manner helps get important information across fast when dealing with a crisis. It’s much easier to work toward the best outcome with effective communication with team members. A leader must be able to communicate effectively, control themselves, be creative and adaptable and keep relationship management in mind during any situation, but especially in a crisis. In turn, remember being honest and vulnerable is key as we don’t always know the answer and we too can feel uncertain however it is important to be open, positive and admit your feelings.
Take Your Leadership and Communication to the Next Level
Imagine taking your leadership and communication to the next level, going for promotions or new opportunities and applying for tertiary education as a Leader! LeadershipHQ are the leaders in leadership development and we now working with VeriSkills™ to train and coach leaders through our One on One or Group Leadership Essentials Program and give them the leadership and human capabilities and skills for the future. Human capabilities are soft skills that are not tied to technical competence and are what sets humans apart in this growing world of automation. VeriSkills™ verifies courses against the framework to determine the human capability outcomes and their corresponding level of achievement attained on completion of various courses. Our Leadership Essentials course is now verified by Veriskills™ backed by QTAC’s 40 years of experience in the assessment of formal and experiential learning.
The Leadership Essentials Program
The Leadership Essentials Program is either a self-paced (not VeriSkills™) or a group and one on one leadership program which takes 6-9 months and gives participants the human capabilities, tools, skills and resources to be the best person and leader they can be. Human Capability outcomes you will be awarded on completion of our Leadership Essentials program are as follows:
- Initiative and Drive
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Empathy
Click here to learn more about VeriSkills™ and the Human Capability Framework. This program and coaching will take your leadership skills to the next level!
2021 Enrolment options
Leadership Coaching, Programs and Certification are all a unique and premium development for you and your leaders. Designed for emerging leaders, team leaders, SME’s and self-aware professionals with ambition to take their seat at the leadership table, be a courageous leader and take charge of their business.
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Leadership isn’t easy and sometimes we need help. I am always here.
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Stay Kind. Stay Courageous.
Sonia x
