Effective Communication Tips for Leaders

Many leaders and managers get frustrated trying to figure out how to communicate well with their employees.  This happens because, in general, we’re taught to communicate by talking at people (giving direction) rather than with them.

Talking with someone creates a natural ebb and flow that makes conversation smoother and more productive.  Imagine what your workplace would look like if people actually talked calmly with each other rather than the standard statement-and-reaction approach.  Here are some practical tips to help you build better communication skills in five minutes.

1.  Sit down with the other person in a quiet place where you can both relax as much as possible.  Sit together rather than across a desk or other physical obstacle.

2.  Don’t permit interruptions of any kind.

3.  Look directly at the other person when they're talking and listen.

4.  Listen actively while the other person talks without thinking of anything else.

5.  Don’t interrupt the other person while they’re talking just nod and show them you’re really engaged.

6.  When the other person is finished talking fight the urge to rebut, explain, fix or lead the conversation in any direction.  Accept  the information and realize it's just the other person's point of view. 

7.  If the other person asks a question answer it as briefly as you can.  Remember that the conversation is focused on them.

8.  Pay attention to the other person rather than on what you might want to say.  If or when it’s your turn to talk focus on adding to what the person said rather than correcting, defending or makind a speech.

9.  Ask open-ended questions to get more information and show the other person you care about what they say.

10.  Repeat these actions and practice them consistently until you get good at them.

Our society teaches us that we have to pile on each other and constantly interrupt, direct the conversation our way, rebut, challenge, fix or dominate conversations in order to communicate effectively when in actuality those behaviors get in the way of quality communication.

The next time you’re talking with an employee or co-worker try these practical ideas for five minutes.  You’ll find that you get better quality, deeper information and that you’ll build trust.  You also might be surprised at how much more information you can gather in five minutes and how satisfying your workplace interactions become.

Take care,

Guy

Effective Communication and Team Building