Without effective communication you cannot lead… you end up talking a walk on your own.
Communication is essential to effective leadership. It’s often something we take for granted and not given the attention it deserves. Consider the this quote from Saul Alinsky’s book “Rules for Radicals”:
“One can lack any of the qualities of an organizer – with one exception – and still be effective and successful. That exception is the art of communication. It does not matter what you know about anything if you cannot communicate to your people. In that event you are not even a failure. You’re just no there. Communication with others takes place when they understand what you’re trying to get across to them. If they don’t understand, then you are not communicating regardless of your words, pictures or anything else. People only understand things in terms of their experience, which means that you must get within their experience.”
Communication underpins effective leadership. Leaders need to be conscious of how and what they communicate to other in word and deeds.
- How effective is your communication? How do you know?
- Is your communication relevant?
- How do you get within their experience when your communicate?
Technorati Tags: Communication, Strategy, Leadership, Management, Business, Book
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Planning is essential for good communication. If you have a vision statement, a set of values, a set of rules and the ability to listen, communication will be easy. The rules, values and vision will guide how you act when communicating. And by all means do not “multitask” when communicating with someone, like writing an e-mail and talking at the same time. And remember that there is more to communication that talking and listening. Body language and attitude communicates as well
George,
As always, great point and succinctly made. I’d just like to followup and say that “leadership” comes at all levels and in all forms. Whether you’re an admin in the finance department trying to convince your peers to try something new, or one half of a troubled personal relationship trying to find your way out of the darkness, you are still a leader.
Don’t fall into the trap of think that clear, consistent, understandable communication is the domain of “the boss” or “the president”. We are all leaders at some point and we can all benefit from improving our communication skills.
Dave,
This is a great point you make. Leadership does come at all levels and effective communication is required at all levels. Thanks for your insight.
Hi George,
Great post and a well-written blog.
I feel that business problems arise due to lack of communicative skills. Most people are unclear of how to communicate their viewpoint, in a clear and confident manner.
All people in any organization need to know how to communicate. It is probably the #1 skill.
Thanks for sharing your insight.
Ryan
Messages are also being sent when leaders choose to not communicate maybe when they really should.
Hi there,
Excellent post, enjoyed it very much. I particularly liked your point 3 – the link between experience and communications effectiveness is very insightful and spot on.
Cheers,
Hi George!
We have come across your blog and it is indeed very insightful – so much so that we’re linking it to our own, !
Good communication skills, at all levels, is key to leadership – be it when ‘talking’ to staff or to an oprganistion’s audiences, if the correct, appropriate and ’spot on’ message is not properly crafted, chances are you’ll not make yourself understood, and how do you expect to lead people who don’t know what you are (talking) about?
We’ll be visiting you more often!
Best regards,
Joanna Burigo
Marketing Manager @ Maven Training Ltd.
In my observation of and work with leaders, and in my own relationships, I find that good communication starts with being able to communicate with yourself. If you cannot find your own truth and understand what is happening to you emotionally in the moment, it is very hard to communicate effectively with others. I often think that the growth of an organization is directly related to leaders’ growth in self-knowledge as individuals and as a team.
I’m new to your blog and it’s great to find a regular reflection on leadership. Best regards, Kay
Great post on communication. I’d go a step further and say that an environment/culture of honesty and trust goes hand in hand with communication — because that’s the only way it’ll be effective. For more on this view, check out the Acton MBA blog at http://actonmba.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/tips-on-leading-people-from-master-teacher-ed-perry/
I found your last three questions very inspiring. Communication is certainly one of the main issues around project failure.
I have just come across your submission which is highly impresive on communication and leadership. I came at the time I was preparing a facilitation script for presentation to my students in business and entrepreneurship. i want to agree with you there where there is no communication, you cannot expect to have a sound leadership skill. Effective communication in planning and implementing change can bring possitive results among followers.
Mamolete