Communicate relentlessly
Clearly and often communicate facts, thoughts, and ideas through various media. Maintain open and transparent processes, and look for ways to improve your team or organization’s communication flow. Remove all symptoms of remoteness and arrogance, and spend time talking to your people.
Simplify and be direct
Say exactly what you mean. Be straightforward. Don’t hide behind complexity or overburden yourself with information. Direct communication is the most crucial sort of communication. This is especially true when communicating in a virtual situation.
Listen and encourage input
Pause. Be at ease with stillness. Allow the other person to offer thoughts and solutions before offering your own. 80% of the listening and 20% of the talking. And demonstrating interest in, and respect for, your coworkers can assist you in making the emotional connection that is essential for effective leadership.
Let team members know how valuable they are, demonstrate empathy, and provide psychological safety so that people feel comfortable speaking out. It will demonstrate to those you lead that you care about them as well as the organization.
Illustrate through stories
When you tell a good tale, you bring a vision, goal, or ambition to life. Good stories build trust, capture hearts and minds, and serve as a constant reminder of the mission. Furthermore, it is easier for people to retell a tale or refer to an image or quote than it is to discuss a goal statement, strategy paper, or project plan. This is crucial when it comes to communicating the vision.
Actions speak louder than words
While competent leaders learn the art and craft of language, speaking clearly and delivering logical and convincing arguments, they also understand that communication extends beyond words.
If people hear one thing from you and see another, your credibility is threatened. People must have faith in you. Your actions and behavior convey a wealth of information, so be mindful of the messages you give, even when you aren’t saying anything.