Being a leader requires a lot of skill sets. Being able to communicate well is at the top of the list. If you’re in leadership and you can’t convey a message, bring people together, or mediate complex problems you may not be in leadership very long. It’s important to hone your communication skills so you, and those depending on you, thrive.
There are three main things great leaders have in common. Communication tops the list but there are two equally important commonalities.
3. Leaders take responsibility for their teams and their own actions- Leaders are the captain of their ships. That means they accept the responsibility for their team and their own actions. Leaders take risks all the time. They gamble that their teams are well-trained, well-prepared, and able to carry out the functions of their duties. They ensure this happens through their communication style. From training, to supporting, to redirecting, leaders use their communication skills to motivate and lead.
2. Leaders see a bigger picture- Leaders see beyond what is right in front of them. They see a much bigger picture than what their subordinates may be able to see. They often understand a broad range of issues that come into play under their leadership. Since they are often sandwiched between the people above them and those they are leading, they need excellent communication skills to bridge the gap.
1. Leaders spend their careers becoming better communicators- Communication is key to every aspect of leadership. Whether it’s delivering tough news, building teams, mentoring, teaching, delegating, or giving directives, there’s a ton of communicating going on. Leaders need to be able to engage with a wide variety of people and meet them where they are intellectually and emotionally. This can require leaders to use a wide variety of skills when they communicate.
When it comes to the skill sets leaders need most, effective and healthy communication top the list. Investing in training and education about effective communication is one of the most important ways to become a good leader. Some of the best types of training include, but aren’t limited to
- Mediation and conflict resolution
- Non-verbal communication
- Public speaking
- Debate
- Managing difficult people
These types of courses include specific communication techniques under a variety of situations. Combined this can help leaders…or anyone else, maximize their communication skills.
You don’t have to be in leadership to master the same skills sets. Everyone leads in some capacity. Whether it’s at home, in the community, or career, everyone is leading somehow. Giving yourself the upper hand by studying leadership and effective communication will make you stand out and get amazing results from those you are leading.
