What are some communication strategies for leaders to build trust and rapport with their stakeholders?

Knowing your audience is the only way to move forward in leadership. It is a crucial component to understanding the needs of others before your own. As a servant-leader, many battles of the minds were won by simply being still and observing the audience. If you are silent and listen, many things can be learned to establish a balance of power. Gentleness is easy to spot and easier to follow.

An example I've experienced recently is the support I provide to young adults in the search for self-identity and purpose. Many times a simple text message works wonders for the Gen-Z group! Other times, a Zoom video is needed to get the message across with urgency because body language is needed, as well as, eye-contact. We are living in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). If you have an avatar, use it to your advantage! The essential key to effective communication is building other people up. When you empower others, your power increases tenfold.

I've found the use of stories and experiences helpful. Effective communication is understanding that each one of us is unique. The art of communication is patience. We can break down barriers and formidable defenses through our indifferences if we listen more than we talk. Leadership hinges on how much restraint is applied. As leaders, we have to look deeper (to the root) of the cause. Ask questions, and be ready to change strategy mid-way. Everyone needs a little clarity sometimes. Communication is a major key to having great relationships. You need to listen and express yourself well in every situation.

The only way to know your audience is first to listen. Take mental notes, mirror the expressed emotions, and connect by asking questions. Inflections in your voice express interest in the conversation. The work I am privileged to do daily involves a surplus of empathetic responses to weather-related disaster survivors and COVID-19 pandemic survivors. Active listening skills require practice. If you cannot listen for 10 minutes to your spouse, you have much practice to do. Success in this area begins with those closest to you (within your sphere of influence). After speaking to someone, ask yourself, did I look underneath the surface? Just be present.

Active listening starts with having a growth mindset and having humility. If you fundamentally appreciate the power of continually learning from those around you, the rest will flow.

I love this section, adaptation, and improvement in leadership. I have met a few people who lack humility and wish to be leaders. Humility is a way to achieve one's goals, try it. Tom Harper (Author of Servant-leadership Strong, 2019) reminded us that humbling yourself is easier to take than someone else doing it for you "ego check yourself." Ask others how you are doing. I agree that self-evaluation is a necessary tool to improve leadership skills. Pick up the phone and call someone. I bet someone would be happy to tell you how you measure up. Feedback is crucial for improvement. We must be honest with ourselves.

I shall begin with scripture [Galations 6:4] each one should test their own actions. BAM! Leadership does begin with managing oneself. I practice all the time! I try new things all the time. I fail and fail again. I pick myself up after a fall, assess, contemplate, and press on to the next thing. I join clubs, I network, and I participate in almost everything. You have to get out there! Talk to people. You don't know what you don't know. Nothing in life is a better teacher than failure. It is in our weaknesses that we are strong. I took that golden nugget right from God Almighty himself! No blinding tunnels to gates of white, just plain hard work. In these challenging times, even the best of us need refreshers.

Continual learning is key for improving communication because styles, channels, and people are constantly changing. It helps to have trusted colleagues who will let you know if you are not clear or getting your intended message across. Approaching communication as a collaborative effort where we constantly learn and grow from and with each other also helps continuous improvement.