The Point: Do you want to excel in leadership communication? Let it be known from the onset that it is not an easy job. When you are in a position of authority, your words are like fired bullets, i.e. they will do their damage, and there is nothing you can do to take them back. You’ll want to insure that your “bullets” as well as direction are on target (That’s why you have to be really careful about what you say and how you say it!) The following are 5 tips to communication skills training for leaders excellence that you will find useful in this regard… Enjoy!
#1 Choose your Words Wisely
Words are economy for leaders. Choose the wrong words, and risk losing customers and demotivating employees. Your leadership communication should be succinct, clear, and to-the-point. Whether you are speaking or writing, always go over your material and do rigorous editing, leaving only those words that you think will truly be beneficial to the intended audience. And yes, eliminate ‘umms’ and ‘you knows’ from your vocabulary! (A tip from Toastmasters International)
#2 Don’t Insult the Intelligence of Others
Bad leadership communication treats audiences like they’re kids. They give instructions and share information with the assumption that employees firstly wouldn’t understand, and even if they do, they can’t be trusted to keep it confidential.
This is leadership folly! An organization is judged by the people that work in it (Unless your organization hires dishonest people that lack basic intelligence… But that’s not you/your organization, right?) True leaders know the more honest and open they are with their employees, the more trust, and the more efficiently the company performs.
#3 Communicate Goals Lucidly
While you are to treat employees as responsible and intelligent adults, you still have to tell them in plain-language what you require from them. This is especially true if you want to empower your workforce. Tell them the areas where you would like to see them improve, and if you want them to suggest more, recommend the kind of ideas you are looking for.
#4 Be Open About Your Mistakes (You Do Make Mistakes, Right?)
Exhibit an understanding attitude when you ( or others) say or do something wrong. Leaders are human after all! No one is expecting you not to make mistakes. What people want to see instead of laying blame elsewhere or glossing over these moments is honesty from your side when this happens, how you learn from your mistakes, and drive the organization forward.
#5 Trust Others
This coincides with point 2 (Don’t Insult the Intelligence of Others). Companies thrive on meaningful efforts of their employees, and this only happens when they are kept informed. Withholding information deeming it ‘too sensitive’ only hinders this process.
Summary
If you’re looking to improve your leadership communication skills, follow these leadership communication skills training tips to improve. For more information on the Leadership Communication offerings available at Tip of the Spear, CLICK HERE.
