Fourth Quarter 2015– Issue 22<\/p>\n
Note from Coach Mario– At the End of the Day-\u00a0 “Leaders Communicate”<\/p>\n
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It’s all about communications!\u00a0 A critical pillar in a Leader’s competencies is setting a vision, a direction for the organization.\u00a0 But it only “comes alive” when it is communicated effectively to the appropriate audience.\u00a0 Effective communication occurs frequently and throughout, at all levels, in an organization.\u00a0 It is clear, concise and connecting to the audience.\u00a0 It is delivered in a consistent manner not just once but constantly.\u00a0 It answers the basic vision question from the audience, “Where are you taking me?”\u00a0 So is it better to over or under communicate?\u00a0 To answer this question, take a look at where the breakdown in an effort occur.\u00a0 Most often the breakdown is because there was a lack of or incomplete communication.\u00a0 I have seen where an organization doesn’t really know or understand the expectations because they have not been communicated, either effectively or at all by the leadership.\u00a0 Interestingly, often it is because the leader or leaders are uncomfortable speaking in front of a crowd or lack the structure or order in their management style.\u00a0 Getting everyone on the same page and moving in the same direction is undoubtedly the role of a leader and communication is the leader’s tool.\u00a0 Much like any other tool, if it is not used or not used correctly or to its full potential, the results achieved will not be desired.\u00a0 Communication used effectively is inspirational and motivational!<\/p>\n
When is communication NOT inspirational, motivational or underutilized?\u00a0 Amazing it most often occurs with those nearest to each other.\u00a0 The boss and the direct report, for example.\u00a0 Those are the times when the boss”shortchanges” communications with his\/her direct reports.\u00a0 I recall a situation when the boss would not even return the calls of the employee.\u00a0 Is this respectful?\u00a0 Is that inspiring or motivating (positively) the employee?\u00a0 Is this likely to get the admiration from the employee?\u00a0 Is this creating a trusting environment?\u00a0 Obviously not.\u00a0 But shortchanging communications happens more than you think.<\/p>\n
Communication occurs in a number of ways, verbal, body language, tone of voice.\u00a0 The leader must be in tune with their words, gestures, voice frequency ( too much is likely rambling) and volume (is it too loud or too soft)\u00a0in their communications.\u00a0 It is important for the leader to maintain composure when communicating.<\/p>\n
Exhibition and Nurturance are two behavioral traits that underlie a leader’s ability to communicate.\u00a0 Exhibition is the comfort in stepping out and communicating and Nurturance is empathizing with the audience in a manner that intrinsically connects with them.\u00a0 The following competencies are critical in communicating effectively:<\/p>\n
1. Active Listening<\/p>\n
2. Powerful Questions<\/p>\n
3. Direct Communications<\/p>\n
When the leader actively listens, he\/she is focused completely on what the person speaking is saying and is not saying, understands the meaning of what is being said from the person’s point of view and supports the person’s self-expression.<\/p>\n
When the leader asks powerful questions, he\/she asks questions that reveal the information needed for maximum benefit to the relationship with the other person.\u00a0 To the person being asked, it can be intellectually stimulating when done with respect and honest curiosity.<\/p>\n
When the leader is direct, he\/she uses language that is clear, concise and articulated in a way that has the greatest favorable impact on the other person.<\/p>\n
So as the Leader communicates effectively, he\/she is able to answer with confidence the vision question, “Where are you taking me?”\u00a0 He\/she has the trust and respect of the direct reports.\u00a0 The leader is able to achieve this because he\/she truly values, understands and cares about people.\u00a0 Effective communications does not shortchange and is a “two-way street.”\u00a0 Does your communications “come alive” with others?<\/p>\n
—Mario Flores<\/p>\n
Mario Flores.\u00a0 All Rights Reserved.\u00a0\u00a0No part of these materials may be reproduced in any form without\u00a0written permission.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fourth Quarter 2015– Issue 22<\/p>\n Note from Coach Mario– At the End of the Day-\u00a0 “Leaders Communicate”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It’s all about communications!\u00a0 A critical pillar in a Leader’s competencies is setting a vision, a direction for the organization.\u00a0 But it only “comes alive” when it is communicated effectively to the appropriate audience.\u00a0 Effective communication occurs frequently and throughout, at [<\/p>\n