The 6 "Be's" of Communication
No one prepared me for the complexity of communication. It complicates our relationships and our workplaces. It slows us down and it trips us up.
The more I study great relationships and great organizational cultures, the more frequently I find effective communication at the center of their success.
You’ve likely heard the axiom “everything rises and falls on leadership”. I would add to that and say if everything rises and fall on leadership, leadership rises and falls on communication. We can’t lead well without figuring out the communication conundrum.
In our book, Just Lead!
1) Be a good listener. Our temptation as leaders is to hurry through conversations and make quick decisions; however, earning equity and credibility with your team is often best achieved through intentional listening.
2) Be self-aware. In order to help others understand us, we must first understand ourselves. Nancy Beach said it this way, “Most of us have blind spots about how we come across to others, and the huge challenge is to find ways to see ourselves more clearly and to identify where we are strong and where we need to improve.”
3) Be sensitive. A Harvard Business Review article said this, “Communication isn’t as simple as saying what you mean. How you say what you mean is crucial and differs from one person to the next…” Not only do we need to be sensitive to how we say things, but we also need to be sensitive to how others receive what we say.
4) Be direct and confident. Oftentimes when we need to deliver feedback or constructive criticism we can be guilty of convoluting the message so much that the other person doesn’t understand our point or the seriousness of the message. Say what you need to say kindly, succinctly and honestly.
5) Be well-timed. A well-timed word of encouragement is absolutely life giving to someone, and a poorly timed criticism can completely demotivate or even derail them. Be quick to praise. Be slow to criticize.
6) Be you. Nothing you communicate as a leader will be effective if it feels inauthentic. Find your voice. Trust your instincts. Discovering your authentic voice as a leader will be one of the most important steps in your leadership development.
What’s the most challenging issue you face when it comes to communication?
tone of voice. being too direct can hamper the willingness of others to listen.
especially in the south, it’s important to put a little sweet tea in your voice.
Assumptions. I assume too often that my message has been communicated properly or completely and then find just the opposite. Frustrating for all parties.