Center Grove

EXPECTATION #6: BE A COMMUNICATOR

Here are five communication skills that make good leaders great:

1. Interpreting Body Language - Successful leaders are always paying attention to people’s unseen language and nonverbal cues.  When you’re able to read thoughts and sentiments that aren’t revealed by a person’s words, you have many clear advantages. Take interviewing, for example. By learning non-verbal signs, you can oftentimes determine how honest a candidate is being with you. You can also tell if someone is comfortable with what you’re saying, and whether the person feels confident in what they are saying to you. Reading body language also gives you an advantage during negotiations, selling, delivering presentations and speeches, and conducting meetings. Also, when you know how to read body language, you’ll be able to master the art and science of projecting effective body language to those around you. Exuding honesty, confidence and leadership is just as important as being able to read these traits in others.
   
   
2. Video Skills - As a leader in today's world, having skills when it comes to video is paramount from how you present yourself in video form and the quality of the video itself.  The production quality of a video is just as important as the words you use.
   
   
3. Listening Carefully - Practice empathetic listening. Try to feel excited when the person you’re listening to is excited, or concern when the other person is concerned. Reflect the other person’s emotions not only verbally, but also with your facial expressions. It isn’t always easy, and it takes a bit of energy, but it will help you tune in to the thoughts and emotions of anybody with whom you’re having a conversation.
   
   
4. Crystal Clear Verbal Communication - As a general rule, people do not listen attentively. Therefore, it’s your job as a leader to speak as clearly and effectively as possible. So don’t use words that aren’t understood by most people. Not only will your message be lost, but you’ll run the risk of sounding arrogant. Remember, the goal of communication is clarity.  Also, prepare your conversations in advance.  Think about objections people may have toward your opinions or solutions, and prepare convincing answers to the objections. Preparation always pays off.
   
   
5. Writing Skills - it’s still very important that you’re able to write well on a day-to-day basis. You need to be concise and direct when you write. One way to write better is to remove unneeded words. Excellent writers say a lot with as few words as possible. For example, compare the following sentences:
   • Sentence A: “After the morning meeting has been completed and everyone is dismissed, there will be a networking event with coffee and donuts for those of you who choose to attend.”  
   • Sentence B: “After the morning meeting, we hope you’ll join us for coffee and donuts at the networking event.
     • Sentence B not only sounds better. It’s quicker for the audience to read.

Great Communicators Are Made, Not Born
If you lack any or all of these skills, don’t be discouraged. Spend a little bit of time each day learning, reading, and practicing essential communication techniques.