Communicate for Impact

Do you remember the childhood game of telephone? One child starts by whispering a message into the ear of the child next to him, that child in turn whispers what she hears to the child next to her and so on down the line until the last child proudly proclaims some kind of gibberish like “The banana took the dog to the beach!”?

While this outcome is funny when we’re young, it can be confounding in the workplace when we rely on effective communication to launch a new initiative or lead through an organizational challenge. Effective communication is the cornerstone of leadership, serving as the foundation for building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving organizational success. So when your organization’s communications begin to resemble the game of telephone – no matter how strong your strategic plan or new initiative – inevitably your implementation will falter. Read on for strategies to strengthen your communication style and support stronger communication within your teams.

Leadership requires strong communication skills to inspire, influence, and guide others towards shared goals. Unlike other functions, effective communication can’t be delegated. However it can be improved. Consider these strategies to help enhance your style:

Put Your Audience First

The most effective communicators tailor their message to their audience. Consider who you are addressing – for example, front line staff or managers, clients or prospective clients – and choose your message and tone accordingly.

Tell a Story

Countless research shows that we understand and retain information best as stories. Think back to our earliest history of telling stories around the fire, how traditions and customs were passed down by stories told from one generation to another. As a leader, consider what anecdotes and metaphors you can introduce in your communication to engage and connect with your audience.

Be Precise

Mark Twain once wrote, “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long letter instead.” The most impactful communication is concise and clear. Remove unnecessary jargon. When leaders have a clear vision, their communications should be just as clear.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

A common complaint from staff is a lack of information. A common frustration among leadership teams is that they’ve already shared information with staff. The truth is often found somewhere in between. As a leader it is your role as chief communicator to share consistently and frequently – even if you feel you’ve said it before.

Workplace communication is not just directives from the C-suite; it encompasses the formal and informal interactions ranging from one-on-ones to the company Slack channel. Helping your teams to be intentional in their communications can help create a more thriving work environment as well as provide the tools to navigate conflicts that inevitably arise. When discussing workplace communications with your direct reports, try posing the following three questions.

1. Does this need to be said? (Content)
2. Does this need to be said now? (Timing)
3. Does this need to be said in this way? (Tone

It’s that time of year when commencement speakers across the nation inspire a new generation of graduates. Four years ago, it looked a little different. Watch as the consummate communicator Oprah Winfrey gave a virtual commencement speech to the Covid-19 Class of 2020.

1. Does this need to be said? (Content)

We humans are impulsive and reactionary. However, with more intentional self-awareness, we can learn to create a pause before we decide to engage in a conversation. Will what you have to contribute help advance other people’s understanding of the situation and is it relevant? If you don’t say it, what is the impact on your colleagues or the organization?

1. Does this need to be said now? (Timing)

There’s a reason why the recall email feature was created. Sometimes things do need to be said, but when you say it can make all the difference. This is especially true in a charged situation when you may need more time to prepare a thoughtful response rather than expressing your opinion in the moment.?

1. Does this need to be said in this way? (Tone)

Beware email, text, or chat with sensitive communications. What you meant to communicate may come across in an entirely different way especially in a multi-generational workplace. As with timing, consider whether there is a more effective way to get your message across.

Traveling is one way to inspire the communicator inside you. New people and vistas are a wonderful way to find what we share in common and the wonderful differences that make us unique. Greetings from Madeira, Portugal.