EMERGENT LEADERS NEWSLETTER/019/POWER DYNAMICS AND THEIR ROLE IN COMMUNICATION BETWEEN LEADERS AND TEAM MEMBERS
Effective communication skills are such an important aspect of solid leadership. But powerful communication goes beyond the words we choose - it includes the tone, volume (and silence), and the body language we employ. The way leaders express and present themselves greatly influences how their messages are received, understood, and acted upon by their teams. ?
Let’s look at some basic modes of communication that are commonly employed, and their impact on a leader’s messaging. ?
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Choice of words?
Words have the power to inspire, motivate, and create a shared sense of purpose within a team. Conversely, they can also demotivate, confuse, or breed resentment. Leaders must choose their words thoughtfully to ensure alignment with their intended message. ?
Here are examples of ineffective choice of words:??
"You all need to work harder.” “The project is falling behind, and it's your fault." “I created a lot of positive changes within this team/organization.” The blame game can lead to defensiveness and demotivation, hindering team morale and productivity. Also using the word “I” rather than “we” will most certainly turn people off.?
Improved choice of words:??
"We're facing some challenges with the project timeline. Let's come together to brainstorm solutions and support each other." By shifting the focus to collaboration and problem-solving, the leader promotes a sense of collective responsibility and encourages a proactive approach.?
Bottom line is, before delivering a message, leaders should ask themselves:??
And then ask yourself if the words you plan to use inspire, motivate, and create a positive work environment and the conditions for those outcomes.?
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Specificity?
Blanket statements are generalizations. Blanket statements are so widely used in so many different contexts, and yet, whether the message is positive or negative, blanket statemetns are completely ineffective. While they are almost always made with the best of intentions, I guarantee you: they ALWAYS fall flat. It doesn’t matter if it happens in a corporate setting, in a classroom or in team sports. Blanket statements are useless, and this is why: the people who need to hear the message won’t think it applies to them and therefore will tune you out, while the people who were included by association are the ones who generally take it most seriously.?
Here are examples of ineffective blanket statements:?
“You all need to work harder.” “It’s like no one showed up to play today!” “Great work, team!”
Improved specificity:??
Whether good or bad, if you are going to make a blanket statement, be prepared to follow it up with specific advice/instructions/feedback/compliment for each team member to ensure that it is personal and as a result, internalized to create the impact that was intended. Leaders get extra bonus points for going a step further and explaining the impact the work of each team member has on the rest of the team and organization.?
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Tone and Volume??
The way leaders deliver their messages—the tone and volume of their voice - plays a vital role in influencing how their words are perceived. Different tones and volumes can evoke diverse emotional responses from team members. ?
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Here are examples of ineffective tone/volume:?
Improved tone/volume:?
People tend to mirror others. Leaders can use this to their advantage and set the stage?for effective interactions. Before stepping into a conversation, leaders should always take a moment to clear judgment or expectations – because going into a conversation holding onto assumptions will impact their choice of words, tone and body language, which will then impact how the message will be received. ?
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Silence??
Silence and lack of communication from leaders can be just as impactful as hurtful messages. It can leave team members confused, anxious, or disengaged. Leaders must recognize the importance of prompt and transparent communication.??
Here are examples of ineffective use of silence:?
Improved communication:??
The only time silence is welcome is in well-timed pauses during conversations or meetings, as they allow all team members an opportunity to think through an idea, so that they?can contribute more confidently.
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Body Language?
Body language, including facial expressions, posture, gestures, and eye contact, can often convey more than words alone. Leaders must be aware of their body language and understand how it can influence the interpretation of their messages.
Here are examples of ineffective use of body language:?
Improved use of body language:?
Effective leadership communication goes beyond the words we choose. By being aware of the impact of words, tone, volume, and even silence, emerging leaders can significantly enhance their ability to convey messages that align with their intended meaning. Regularly seek feedback from your team to understand how your body language affects your leadership presence and make necessary adjustments. By consciously refining your?communication style, you can create an environment where team members feel valued, motivated, and inspired to achieve shared goals.?
If you are looking for a more customized leadership development experience, leadership coaching may be the better option to get you to your professional development goals faster. Book a complimentary “Discovery Call ” to discuss your goals and see if working with a leadership coach might be the way to go.?
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1 年Impressive focus on enhancing leadership communication. Effective communication drives success. Harvard Business Review reports a 47% higher return to shareholders for companies with strong communicative leaders. Aligning messages with intent is key. World Economic Forum reveals 3.5x higher performance for leaders prioritizing communication. Your valuable insights shape future communicators. Excited for more impactful content.