Ensuring your communication counts

With so much communication now having to be done remotely, it matters more than ever that we communicate with clarity, especially if we are leading teams or organisations. Here are 4 thoughts for ensuring your communication counts.

1. Check it is PURPOSEFUL - Ask: "why am I communicating this? (i.e. Is it necessary? Is it the right time? Does it have a clear purpose?). Ask: "with whom am I communicating it to? (i.e. Are the right people 'in the room' or receiving any particular message. Sending information to the wrong people is wasting their time and will prevent you really being heard when it matters). Ask: "how am I communicating?' (i.e. What medium will be the most effective?
2. Check it is INSIGHTFUL - None of us find information dumps very helpful. With so much informational noise in our world, never has it mattered more that we communicate with genuine insight, rather than bland information. This may well involve you reflecting as much on what you leave out of your communications as what you put in.
3. Check it displays EMPATHY - Think about who you are communicating with. What will be the best way to connect with them? We all have a preferred communication style. But how might you need to adapt this to maximise the connection with the person in front of you? Check that your communications are not just focussed on the task but also on the person. The current climate of uncertainty means that the 'how are you?' question is as valuable as the 'what are you doing?' one.
4. Check it contains HOPE - This is a tough season for lots of people. Check that what you communicate and the way you do this leaves the person/people you have spoken with feeling more hopeful. The best leaders are conveyors of hope.

I hope these pointers help improve your communication. If you would be interested in thinking about this further as an individual or organisation, please get in touch.