We don’t know what we don’t know and this is why communication can be challenging. How many of us can honestly say we’re 100% sure our messages are heard and that we’re always perceived as confident, credible and trustworthy? Have you ever walked away from a meeting, presentation or face-to-face conversation saying to yourself, “I shouldn’t have said what I said,” or “I can’t believe I forgot to say…?”
As a leader you must be able to clearly communicate your organization’s strategy, vision and value. Most of us are under the blurred assumption, “If I communicate a message it’s heard.” In reality, your message may not have been heard at all.
During my past thirteen years of researching communication, it’s proven over and over that most leaders are not trained in how to communicate effectively. Most individuals continue to climb the corporate ladder for what they know rather than how they articulate to others what they know.
Lindsay Edmonds Wickman, Associate Editor for the Chief Learning Officer magazine, states: “…leaders are good at analyzing business situations and making decisions, but what they aren’t as good at is communicating with others.”
As I travel the country working with business professionals to enhance their communication, I often find that most individuals are unaware of how their communication is breaking up. Not only does their communication prevent them from influencing others to take action, they also run the risk of:
- Minimizing the perceptions others create of them.
- Grabbing and keeping their listeners’ attention.
- Communicating a message that’s unclear and misunderstood.
How do you know if your communication is breaking up? When what you say isn’t consistent with how you say it. For example, when someone tells you “I’m so excited to have this opportunity to work with you,” and they communicate this statement in a monotone and boring voice. Their facial expressions are lifeless. They never look you in the eye and they’re fidgeting with a pen. Most likely you’d question their credibility and knowledge, and not take action on what they have to say.
Here are five strategies to help you communicate with impact and influence, and ensure that your message is heard:
