Communication is Leadership
Dr Tim Wigham
Head of Performance at EXCEED | TEDx Speaker | Moodset | Performance Guide | Executive Coach | Amazon #1 Bestselling Author | Inspired Facilitator | Servant Leader | CrossFit Athlete
During my Professional PhD where I explored in depth, the domains of learning, culture, and communication, I was struck by many epiphanies and discoveries. Foremost of these was the realisation that the concepts of communication and leadership are effectively interchangeable.
Communication can be roughly divided into verbal and non-verbal elements. Essentially verbal words share and convey the mindset of the sender, while non-verbal actions and behaviours, facial expressions and energy, set the mood of the receiver. Poor communication is poor leadership, great communication tends to mean positive leadership and a productive environment.
Another element of note is the value of assertive versus aggressive leadership communication. There is a fine line. Passive aggressive behaviour is the worst kind, especially if modelled by someone in charge. Visible leadership engagement emerged as the most critical contributor to effective team performance in a rig environment.
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Engagement is communication and time needs to be dedicated to doing it. Simple, not easy. It requires the prioritisation (value) of walking the corridors and the decks on a daily basis even when leaders do not feel like it, or we are burdened by meetings and other deliverables. Given the significance of communication to leadership, I would suggest that it should be a selection criterion and importantly, training, coaching, and mentoring should be valued (prioritised) as an essential non-technical skill to set frontline leaders up for success.
Setting the mind and the mood of the team, makes it a lot easier to model a method which ensures we complete the mission. My previous research illustrates this in the 3M model shown here.
Even in the 3M model, communication could replace the word leadership and not look out of place. We all inspire ourselves and others through what we say and do. Perhaps this realisation might prompt a paradigm shift..? It did for me.
Driller with a camera sharing how i see the offshore industry through the lens.
1 个月Communication is our biggest asset as leaders and something we are the least trained in. We do every course under the sun, except how to be a better communicator and leader.
Helping energy workers handle stress by sharing real stories and opening up for better wellbeing TEDx speaker ??
1 个月This is such a great reminder Dr Tim Wigham and although I am a speaker I've always thought that I'm a communicator at the heart. Stories, they are what connect us. My biggest input from my own experience is I had to learn how to listen first. This is bloody tough, but when we quieten our minds, place ourselves in the moment of the person I think it sharpens our ability to level and connect with them. I used to pour and pour my words out but these last few years I've practiced shutting up, and listening. Practical and not very strategic but it's very human. I'm still a work in progress but I know it's a valuable tool to share ?? Loving your posts lately
Psychological Resilience Coach for Leaders in Business, Sport & Life | Global Thought Leader in Stress, Trauma, and Suicide | Speaker, Coach, and Psychology Innovator | Chairman Grampian Branch Royal Marines Association
1 个月Tim, your work on this is fantastic & I agree that communication and leadership are interchangeable in your model. Great leaders communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, shaping their team’s mindset and morale. Poor communication leads to confusion and disengagement, while strong communication builds trust and productivity. Assertive communication is crucial—it promotes respect and clarity. In contrast, aggressive or passive-aggressive behaviour harms team dynamics. Leadership engagement, like walking the floor and listening actively, isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for success. Leadership selection should prioritise communication skills, not just technical abilities. Without strong communication, even the most skilled leader will struggle to inspire and guide their team. Investing in training, coaching, and mentoring can bridge this gap and should be a top priority. Ultimately, leadership is about setting both the mindset and the mood of the team. When done right, it creates a motivated, high-performing environment. Your insights are going to help drive a much-needed shift in how organisations develop their leaders in this industry. BZ mate
Thank you for sharing! Kindly check out this related post:? “Key Mistakes Almost Every Leader Makes (and How to Avoid Them)”? https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/leadership-avenue_leadership-leaders-busisness-activity-7288389621770522625-Tpdw?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop