Want to master leadership communication? Consider these 5 essentials

Posted by jaques montegolifier on April 22nd, 2019

When you think about great leaders, we all have someone crossing our mind be it a colleague, political figure, or a close family member/friend. They all exhibit certain traits that set them apart. Effective leadership communication is as much about authenticity as it is about the words they speak and write.

To become a strong and successful leader, you should possess the following essentials:

1)      Trust: One of the potent, precious, and fragile elements that every leader should build with their audience is trust. Your actions should align with words. If you do not correct them swiftly and genuinely, it causes bigger trouble. It is difficult to see the ‘say/do’ gap. So, speak in front of influential people and appreciate their feedback. Address those issues which you know can be put to action in future. You can delay the key message unless you believe it will not align with the actions.

2)      Complex to simple: Complex messages does not make you a smart leader. You have to deliver it with clarity and simplified form. Too much information can lead to confusion. Your job is to transform complex strategies into simpler terms. Also, do not get mired by technical jargons and business terms. Just speak what you mean.

3)      Voice and language: Leadership communication is all about your voice and language. Your values should speak through it. The audience wants and respects real leaders. Do not disguise yourself. Nobody wants to follow a phoney.

4)      Visibility: Apart from aligning your communication and thoughts, you also have to be present. This is not about being seen on a news channel. Visibility is about letting people know who you are and what you care about. Nowadays, leaders hide behind the computer and transmit messages to people without watching them. Although e-communication is valuable, it cannot substitute face-to-face communication. The audience today is burned out, stressed, and confused. They need a sense of personal attachment. They want to feel valued.

5)      Listen: Stop, look around, and listen. Effective leader communication is always a two-way process. A good leader always asks the right questions and hears with both eyes and ears. Sometimes, leaders are just focused on getting their message out. They do not tune in to hear and see. Since you are in the top position, you do not always receive the right feedback. Therefore, leadership communication requires you to read between the lines. Always look out for non-verbal cues. Sometimes even the body language speaks volumes.

The best motivational speakers across the globe include these principles in their communication. It not just makes your speech useful but also helps you grow as a leader.