The Role Of Communication In Leadership

In my mailbox this week was a message from a young guy in Australia who has just taken his first step up into management: His question was quite simply – “What is the most important management trait I should consider developing first?”

Very interesting question, because there are several essential traits that need to be developed as early as possible, but choosing just one – the most important, was a “no-brainer” for me and this is an extract of my response to him.

“Nothing puts you in the “bad manager” category more swiftly than poor communications skills.

Staff view an inadequate communicator as someone who is unclear, ambiguous, says too little, speaks up too late, or not at all (keeps secrets unnecessarily) and most importantly, someone who doesn’t relate to their viewpoint.

Managers should resolve to communicate:

• Using appropriate methods (memo or meeting, e-mail or notice-board)
• From the right perspective (talk about we not I and put things personally – “You will find” rather than “This is the case”)
• Using good communication principles (keep it simple, make it clear, be precise and succinct)
• Explaining both the what and the why of things.

Communication is one of the most important aspects of a manager’s role and if you feel you need to bone up on it, do so. Ignoring failings or uncertainties risks disaster.”

Tomorrow? “Leaders Need To Be Adept Jugglers And Trained Diplomats” - well worth coming back for, I can promise you…