Communication is the core of effective business leadership. Here are 8 ways to get better at it.
Teaching executives and managers to become successful communicators is a big task. This is especially difficult in today’s working environment, which happens in both in-person and virtual contexts. Leaders are expected to communicate effectively in everything from group discussions to presentations to social media. One thing is certain, however: In order to be a great leader, you must first become a great communicator.
Poor communication can lead to low company morale, missed performance goals, and lost sales revenue. Good communication gains the trust of your team, aligns everyone’s efforts in pursuit of business goals, and inspires positive change throughout the company. Here are eight tips to becoming a great communicator in your business:
1. Know your leadership style and be authentic
Just because you’ve stepped up to the podium and have a captive audience doesn’t mean you should try to be someone you’re not. Authenticity is one of the most important traits leaders show to their teams. Stay true to who you are, and people will gravitate to your message.
2. Be proactive and get ahead of problems
Leaders with great communication skills give clear, concise goals and don’t waste time heading in the wrong direction. They get out ahead of any problems or initiatives, and they do it matter-of-factly without drama or false humility.
3. Always practice transparency
In order for communication to be effective, it must be real. Great communicators understand that, in good times and bad, honesty builds trust. Model accountability for words and actions, even if you make a mistake. Speaking openly about the company’s goals, opportunities and challenges builds trust with team members and fosters an environment of collaboration and shared ideas.
4. Focus on clarity
Speak in specifics. Do not be ambiguous, unassertive, or wishy-washy. Instead, clarify your message and speak very directly about the current situation and what needs to be done. Define the desired result and be clear about what you would like achieved. When employees know exactly what they are working toward, they feel more engaged in the process.
5. Maintain great listening skills
Effective leaders know when they need to talk and when they need to listen. Great leaders have a keen understanding that communication is a two-way street and that sometimes what they hear is more important than what they say. When a team member speaks, they actively listen and stay fully focused on understanding their colleague’s perspective.
6. Remember that empathy is critical
Great leaders have such an empathetic way about them that even in a crowded board room, they know how to make every single person feel as if he or she is being spoken to directly. The better you get at acknowledging and grasping feelings and experiences, the more heard and valued your colleagues will feel.
7. Become an expert in body language
Great communicators know how to read body language. They’re constantly tracking people’s reactions to their messages, and they adjust their communication style on the fly to account for the reactions they see. Great communicators understand that facial expressions and body language are the only pieces of feedback many people will give them.
Also, to ensure you are conveying the right message, focus on your own body language. Make eye contact, flash a genuine smile, and convey warmth and trust.
8. Receive and implement feedback
The best communicators always solicit feedback and verify that their message was understood correctly. If it was not, they change things up and get the message out again.
By honing their communication skills, executives can become great leaders who connect with people on an emotional level every time they speak. With the right words, delivered in the correct way, great communicators inspire others to achieve more than they ever thought possible. If you want to become a great leader, then you need to learn to excel at communication — the success of your business relies on it.
MetaGrowth Ventures is a sales team-building consulting firm that offers hands-on strategies for hiring, training, and maintaining sales departments. With great communication and exceptional sales training, we help leaders implement plans and processes to take their companies to the next level. For more information contact MetaGrowth today.
