Effective Communication Skills as a Leader

A leader is someone who empowers those around him to work toward common objectives. A leader’s most powerful tool for doing so is communication.

Effective communication is vital to gain trust, align efforts, and inspire positive change. When communication is lacking, information can be misinterpreted, relationships can suffer and, barriers can hinder progress.

Here are eight communication skills you need to be more effective in your role as a leader.

• Ability to Adapt Your Communication Style. Every employee’s motivations are different, so knowing how to tailor your communication is essential to influencing others.

• Active Listening. Effective leaders know when they need to listen. Show that you care by asking for others’ opinions, ideas, and feedback.  

• Transparency. Speak openly about the company’s goals, opportunities, and challenges. Every individual should understand the role they play in the company’s success.

• Clarity. When communicating with employees/team members, speak in specifics. The more clear you are, the less confusion there will be around priorities.

• Ability to Ask Open-Ended Questions. If you want to understand employees’ motivations, thoughts, and goals better, ask open-ended questions rather than those that require a simple yes or no reply. 

• Empathy. The better you get at acknowledging and understanding employees’ feelings and experiences, the more heard and valued they’ll feel. 

• Open Body Language. Communication isn’t just what you say; it’s how you carry yourself. Make eye contact to establish interest and rapport.

• Receiving and Implementing Feedback. Build trust among your colleagues by asking for feedback. But don’t just listen to the feedback. You need to act on it.

Communication is at the core of effective leadership. If you want to influence and inspire your team, then learn to practice empathy and transparency. Others will  perceive you through your verbal and non-verbal cues.