5 COMMUNICATION TRAITS ALL LEADERS NEED
Being a leader is like being a parent…it is a monumental task. Whether you are leading entire organizations, small groups, or just one other person, the responsibility you have is immeasurable. You could literally be the one person that guides another to the next step on their career path. As a leader, you have the ability to inspire others, shape their lives, and teach them invaluable skills that will serve them for life. You have probably heard the saying “with great power comes great responsibility” and nowhere is that truer than in a leadership role.
When awarded a leadership position, there are usually many pre-requisites and responsibilities that are lined out for us. “Communicate well” isn’t always listed in the job description, but it should be. And, even if “great communication skills” is listed in the job requirements, that is such a broad and undefined level of skill that it’s hard to know if your skills meet the standard the job demands.
I think we can all agree that a high level of communication skills is a MUST for anyone who wants to be a great leader. You must be able to articulate clearly and be willing to have the necessary conversations to make your teams and, as a result, your organization, better.
To be an effective leader, you need to understand that when you are given the chance to lead, you are really being given the chance to serve. In order to serve those in your charge, you must take the initiative to improve your own skills so you can serve effectively. Actively developing your communication skills is one of the best ways you can serve your subordinates, and yourself, as a leader. Seeking self-improvement also sets the example for those around you that no matter your position, you should always be striving to learn more and be better.
Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. You will learn things along that way that will help shape you into the leader your teams need you to be. I’d like to leave you with 5 ways you can use communication to make that journey as impactful as it is unforgettable.
1. Remember that perception is reality. Be conscious of how your words and actions are interpreted by those around you. Be mindful of this so that others will have the best possible impression of you. (In other words, be tactful always). Hold yourself to a high standard of professional communication and conduct that will portray the reality of who you are and how you lead.
2. Practice active listening skills - Active listening is about paying attention to what others say (and what they don’t say), as well as understanding what they mean by it. Don’t just wait for your turn to speak or nonchalantly interrupt with an opinion or comment. When someone else speaks, listen with intent. Acknowledge them, make eye contact, ask questions, show them that you value their insight. Always listen to understand, NOT to respond.
3. Be the leader you would follow – Most of us have had experiences with both good and bad leaders. These experiences can help you define the kind of leader you want to be. Communicate clearly so you can be understood with little effort. Meet people where they are and build from there. Praise your people when they deserve it and do so publicly. Scold when necessary but do so privately. Speak from a place of encouragement so that people want to talk to you, so they will look up to you, and respect you. Be genuinely interested in your people and tell them often that they are appreciated. Remember, a person who feels appreciated, will always do more than is expected.
4. Be approachable – A good leader will have open communication both up and down the chain of command. Your subordinates should not be afraid to ask questions and you should not feel threatened by questions they ask of you. If you don’t know the answer to a question posed by a team member, let them know you will get the information for them and then make sure you do it. This builds your credibility and earns the respect of your team.
5. Be people-centered – Colin Powell said, “Leadership is all about people.” Plain and simple, being a leader is all about the people you lead. The organization, the plans, strategies, missions, and jobs do not matter if you don’t focus on the people first. It is important for you to know the job, but not as important as it is to know the people you serve. Your duty is to foster an environment where your people feel supported and encouraged to thrive, where they can learn and excel at their jobs with you there for guidance.
Being people-centered means having an open door and an open mind. The number one way to be people-centered is to COMMUNICATE with your people. Get to know them, find out what lights them up, what they are good at. Encourage them to explore the things they enjoy and provide access to opportunities for them to improve at things they need to improve and grow in the things they already do well. We all have strengths that contribute to the success of the team. By knowing those strengths in your people, you can allow them to shine in their area of genius, while simultaneously helping the entire team to grow.
I would love to help you develop your communication skills to become the leader you want and need to be! Book a strategy session on my resources page now! I can’t wait to connect with you!
I hope to see you soon!
Ciao for now!