Why good communication makes you a good leader
Interpersonal communication is basic for a good relationship, private or professional, it does not matter. The relationship with your employees is a key factor in every successful team, it determinates if and how a conflict will be solved, if decisions can be taken effectively and how innovative the team can be, just to make some examples. A good leader is able to communicate in an effective and motivating way. Following you will find 6 good communication practice for leaders.
- Lead by example
Your behavior is communication and your success depends on it. What you do and what you say is the image that they have of you. If you change your mind about something, just tell them, keep the communication and your behavior transparent. If they feel disorientated about you, they could think you are just “cranky”. Don’t forget that people around you feel your mood and your state. - Open door policy
Let them know you are there if they need you. Being present will make them feel the appreciation and the power of real team-work. Invite them to talk about the ongoing processes and projects, ask them for feedback about your work together, ask if they need any support. Trust is built through dialogue and consistency. - Use the magic words “thanks” and “sorry”
Implement these words if the situation requires it. Humility has nothing to do with less self-confidence or uncertainty. Arrogance at the contrary can bring others to reject you. - Take into consideration their opinions
Sometimes they see things clearer than you, maybe because they are involved in other projects, or maybe just because they have to deal with some problems you don’t know about. Listen to them and take decision according to their observations, build your own opinion listening to different persons. - Delegate
The difference between “job enrichment” and “job enlargement” is a huge one. While one can motivate them, the other one can be destructive. Choose the first option, make them feel you trust them. Choosing the right persons and the right tasks can help you immensely in your daily work. - Use WE and US
It is not always about you. According to different studies many high executives have a light tendency to narcissism. Talk about “our team”, say more often “we can”, “we will”, but talk about “you” when you and your team have achieved the goals.