Communication for Results: The Skill That Can Make or Break a Successful Leadership Career
“The most over-rated credential is the MBA and the most under-rated skill expected of a leader is communication.”
I read this some years back as a component of a survey of CEOs conducted by HBR, WSJ, Fast Company or another well-known resource that I do not recall. Watch those around you this week and I think you will agree.
A look in the mirror with a quick review of recent conversations and most of us can recall one that did not achieve the desired result. From a cordial chat to conveying work direction, providing important feedback to a disciplinary discussion, communication skills can be the make-or break of a successful leadership career.
For communication and conversations that need to lead to results with those who matter, consider this process.
- Clear intention – Define the desired outcome. Is the intention to berate and demean the person who made a mistake, or is the intention to help the person learn and grow? Is the intention to demonstrate authority and power over the other person, or is the intention to engage the person and create a commitment to the team? Is the intention to be nice and make the person feel good, or is the intention to make it clear that the behavior being discussed must improve or the person will no longer be able to work here?
- Align words, tone and actions with intentions – On the receiving end of a leader’s communication people hear the words and the tone with which words are delivered unless they are confused with other factors that do not align. Meaning is given to that which speaks most loudly and it may not necessarily be voice. When words are delivered with aggressive, threatening tone and body language, it doesn’t feel much like the intention is to help to person learn, grow and be a more effective team member regardless of the words in the message. Equally ineffective is the disciplinary discussion that begins with a soft apology or compliment from the leader delivering the discipline.
- Check understanding and alignment – Remember that communication is the responsibility of the sender and that in effective communication, message sent = message received. The only way to ensure that this has happened is to check with the person on the receiving end of the intention that started the communication.
Business success and a good life require good relationships. Effective communication is the WD-40 that minimizes friction and makes for smooth operation at work and home. I’m the Outsider and that’s what I think.
