The most popular characteristics used to define a great leader tend to be someone with strong business acumen, company loyalty and a dedicated grind. However, without effectively communicating goals, expectations, direction and processes, all these characteristics quickly lose their merit and a leader’s ability is questioned.
Being an exceptional communicator is perhaps one of the strongest virtues that leaders can posses.
Simple explanations; body language; honesty; feedback; tone and listening are all tactics that can help improve communication with employees and deliver improved productivity.
1) Keep it Simple
When delivering a message, leaders should keep their language simple, direct and on topic. Including unnecessary jargon and going off on irrelevant tangents will just lose and confuse the audience.
2) Body Language
Maintaining eye contact and a relaxed posture, smiling and nodding, and keeping calm are all positive body language techniques that should be used when communicating. These mannerisms show the recipient respect and establish a connection. According to UCLE Psychology Professor Albert Mehrabian, 55% of the message is actually communicated through your body language and 38% is through tone.
3) Be upfront
Leaders should strive to have direct conversations no matter how difficult the topic may be. Finesse the language to ensure it’s appropriate and firm. Glossing things over will cause misunderstandings and repeated mistakes. Honest communication results in better team work, appreciation and efficiency.
4) Encourage feedback
Allowing employees to provide feedback, ask questions and share comments shows that a leader is being receptive. This is important because employees need to feel like they are also being heard – not just talked at. Leaders should encourage and promote an open environment where dialogue goes both ways.
5) Listen
Listening is a very big component of communication. It shows employees that they are valued and understood. Leaders should really focus on what their employees are saying; ask questions for more clarity and avoid interrupting or chiming in with solutions.
Stay tuned for our next blog which further explores the topic of listening and how this tactic can make a positive difference in an organization.
