Communication Challenges for Leadership

Cindy Coker, SC Bar

1. Successful communication 2. Close, but no cigar. 3. It sounds sort of the same. 4. Not even close 5. Command not recognized 6. Connection failed

1. Successful Communication◦ Ideas are clearly communicated◦ The speaker and the listener are on the “same

page”◦ Instructions are understood and followed◦ Both parties leave the conversation with the same

understanding◦ May include a conversation that involves

correction of a behavior or attitude – ◦ Successful doesn’t always mean pleasant

2. Close, but no cigar◦ The other party heard what you said, but missed

an important detail◦ Misunderstood the intention, the instructions or

the desired result 3. It sounds sort of the same…..

◦ Heard only part of what you said◦ Misunderstood the meaning or intent

Not even close!◦ Your mouth was moving…◦ No idea of what you were saying◦ Leaves the conversation confused

Problem when the other party isn’t comfortable enough to ask for clarification or to repeat the statement/instructions

Command Not Recognized◦ 1 of 2 things has happened

Complete misunderstanding of your conversation OR Complete disregard of your conversation

Lack of respect for the person speaking Refusal to recognize the authority

Connection Failed◦ Communication attempted but no connection to

the other party◦ No recognition of the individual and their situation

by speaker◦ Dictatorial behavior on the part of the speaker –

or just pure arrogance◦ No recognition of speaker by recipient

Tips for successful communication◦ Actions speak louder than words

7% - what we say 38% - the way we say it 55% - what others see

◦ More than 90% of the impression we convey has nothing to do with what we actually say

◦ The message isn’t the only thing (John C. Maxwell: Everyone Communicates, Few

Connect)

Work on non-verbal clues/cues ◦ Facial expressions◦ General appearance◦ Posture

◦People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude!

Communication◦ Learn to handle verbal conflict

Respond rather than react How would you feel in their place Empathize Why are they being difficult Choose to be compassionate

Examine yourself..◦ Do I connect?◦ How do I communicate?◦ Am I leading?◦ Am I leaving my mark?

Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can’t get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, the having a message doesn’t even matter.

Gilbert Amelio, President & CEO of National Semiconductor Corp.