Why Effective Leadership Starts with Communication
Effective leadership demands interacting with people in a way that motivates and energizes them. This requires communicating in a manner that goes beyond just relaying information. The most successful leaders inspire others, build connections between people, and create alignment throughout the organization.
While it’s true that some people have innate talent in these areas, communication methods and habits are also skills that can be taught and refined. Knowing how to communicate effectively in a one-on-one conversation, in small groups, and to a large audience is one of the hallmarks of a strong leader. This level of competency does not develop overnight, but like all skills, it can be taught, practiced, and developed. Leaders at every level must learn strong communication skills in order to execute organizational strategies and maintain or grow a business.
Connection and Inspiration
People in an organization look to the leaders for direction on how to behave. When leaders speak with confidence and optimism, it inspires those around them. On the other hand, when they are worried or unsure, the message becomes clouded. Clear communication is most critical in times of crisis or transition, but it’s important to maintain a consistent message and tone at all times. Learning how to communicate with conviction will help leaders inspire others to believe in the organizational vision.
Regardless of the size of the organization, individuals, teams, and leaders must feel connected. Excellent communication skills that cultivate connections require both speaking and listening. Great leaders listen to employees and are therefore able to respond in meaningful ways, which creates stronger connections. Soliciting and responding to feedback from employees on a regular basis, not just during annual reviews, helps develop open channels of communication and better rapport between leaders and employees.
