Good communication is at the core of effective leadership and is sometimes more conspicuous by its absence than its presence.

Poor communication permeates throughout an organisation. It can breed mistrust, lack of confidence, and even resentment amongst employees.

Communication is so much more than just conveying information. You are analysing, clarifying and expressing ideas. You are inspiring trust, motivation and action in your team. You are connecting on a human level.

3 in 4 employees see effective communication as the number one leadership attribute, according to research by Lemonly. However, only a third think their leaders communicate effectively. So how can you improve your communication skills so that you inspire confidence, gain trust and empower colleagues and team members to reach their maximum potential?

Let’s talk about 5 key communication skills that you need to increase your effectiveness as a leader.

Recommended Reading: 7 Tips for Communicating in a Crisis

Listening

Communication is not just about what we say. It's a two-way street, where listening is equally important. Listening to other people’s opinions and feedback shows that you care about their views. Engage actively in the conversation by seeking clarification, expanding ideas and taking notes. Give the other person your full attention by removing distractions. Concentrate on what they’re saying, rather than thinking about how you’re going to respond once they finish speaking. Listen to understand rather than to reply. 

Questioning

Asking the right questions can be a powerful way to build connection with others. Questions invite discussion, foster collaboration and generate new ideas. But not all questions are created equal. Closed questions, which require a yes or no type answer, can inhibit discussion. Instead, try focusing on open-ended questions that encourage engagement and elaboration of ideas. 

• Interpretation: “What does this data tell us?”

• Analysis: “What is your conclusion?”

• Inference:”If we choose this decision, what are the implications?”

• Evaluation: “How strong are those arguments?”

• Explanation: “Can you explain how you reached that conclusion?”

• Reflection: “What could we do differently next time to improve this result?”

Non-verbal communication

When we communicate with others, our non-verbal cues reveal as much, sometimes even more than, our words. 

If you are in a meeting and constantly checking your email or messages, what impression are you giving? When you’re  telling your team that you are confident that Quarter 4 will end strongly, but your brow is furrowed and your fists are clenched, will they believe you? 

Be aware of the signals you’re sending out through your posture, gestures and facial expressions. Make sure that they are congruent with the message that you are delivering. 

Delivering feedback

If you are uncomfortable delivering feedback, you are not alone. Feeling like you’re criticising someone’s effort and hard work is never easy. But the ability to deliver feedback effectively makes a huge difference to the response you’ll receive. 

Leadership expert Ken Blanchard said, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” It is essential for personal development and organisational growth. But feedback is not the same as criticism. Criticism focuses on the negative. It focuses on the past and is demotivating. Feedback is centred on what you want to achieve. It builds on strengths and inspires the listener to improve. 

Effective feedback is specific and requires careful preparation. Telling a team member that they need to improve isn’t helpful; it’s confusing. What exactly do they need to improve? Do they need to research a topic better? Is their analysis below standard? Could they express themselves more clearly in their written work? Make your suggestions clear, concise and actionable.

When delivering feedback, keep these 4 points in mind:

• Be empathetic 

• Communicate face to face 

• Deliver feedback frequently

• Include positive comments as well as suggestions for improvement
  
  

Clarity of speech

When you speak as a leader, you are communicating your ideas and vision. Perhaps you’re looking for funding or increased staffing for a new project. You might need to inspire and motivate your team. Either way, your message needs to be clear to stand a chance of resonating with your listener and moving them to take the action you want.

Clarity of speech inspires confidence. In his book “The Compelling Communicator,” Tim Pollard describes watching his friend, a CEO of a successful investment management company, delivering a speech at an all-staff meeting. 

The speech did not go well. The CEO lacked clarity, regularly going “off script.” His presentation was poorly structured, with too much technical jargon. 

Tim observed the audience as they listened to the presentation. Their reactions ranged from disrespect to hostility. The CEO was a competent, capable leader, but lack of clarity in his message and delivery was casting doubt on his ability to take charge.

As a leader, you are judged on your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. When you hone your communication skills, you are developing a life skill that has a positive impact not just on your team, but on your business as a whole. 

My top three tips for ensuring you have a clear message are:

• Prepare in advance

• Have a clear structure

• Avoid technical language

Next Steps:

I work with ambitious, motivated professionals to unlock their speaking confidence, so they can communicate with clarity and conviction. 

If you want to refine your presentation and communication skills, learn how to inspire action and make an impact when you speak, then my “Own the Room” program may be just what you’re looking for. Click here to find out more or set up a complimentary intro call to discuss your specific needs with me using the link below.