Leadership communication

John Samuel

?Leadership Lessons - 14

The use of language is an exercise of power. Leadership communication is a political act. Because in the choice of words, phrases, and tone, there is a dynamics of power. Every word or language itself is an indicator of power.

The language we use in office or public space or church or temple will not necessarily be the language we use among a group of intimate friends. This deep sensitivity about the context and use of language is indeed an important leadership quality.

Human beings do everything with words. This very deep understanding of word is also an understanding about the world within and beyond. Hence a deeper understanding of the words and language also provide a deeper understanding about the psychology of a person or the social psychology within a community.

Integrity of communication

There are those who can speak well. They may impress with their words, tone and phrases. But often they may not convince you or touch you within. Because what often matters is not merely what is being communicated or how do you communicate. It matters who is communicating what, when and where. Because there is something called communicative credibility.

There are leaders who may not be powerful public speakers. They may speak softly. They may not be able to talk like Martin Luther King - in an inspiring manner ' I have a dream' . But people listen to you. Because as Gandhijis said ' My life is my message'. People listen to those with real integrity.

People listen to those who have more integrity in terms of coherence between words and deeds. Deeds are often more powerful than words. Hence, integrity and intention of communication too is important in terms of Leadership communications.

When you preach something that you don't practice, people can see through. Hence integrity of communication also requires honesty to oneself. This makes a big difference. Honest communications also involve accepting a mistake or go and say 'sorry'.

Saying 'sorry' is a big quality of good leadership because it is an attitude.

Communications beyond words

People don't communicate not only with words. Some time a picture or visual is more powerful than a word. And another important point in leadership communication is also the attire.

For example, when I am with grassroots communities, I always use their dress. So in Afghanistan, I have often used Afghan dress. In Kerala, I use dhoti/munde and very ordinary dress. But if I am giving a speech at the UN the very next day my attire will completely change.

Dress code too communicate. For example, whenever I go to China or Vietnam for official visit, I usually wear full suit with tie and all paraphernalia. Because in some cultures the dress you wear also indicate an attitude. So in a formal meeting in China or Vietnam, if I go in the usual informal dress in China or Vietnam , they often perceive that you don't take them seriously.

Hence in leadership communications, the choice of words, tone, language, phrases, attitude, dress code and mode of communication matter.

Power -points

Whenever I have to use a lots of numbers or whenever I can explain a complex idea in terms of one diagram or photo, I tend to use power point presentation

But I only use power-points to select audience. In some cases, power-point presentation can be useful. But in many cases, it is a big distraction where people don't listen to you but read the power points.

Too many power-point slides can distract the attention from what is being said and too many of them can also make the presentation often boring. Too many power-points slides can really derail your communicative space. Many people use a lots of text in power point presentations, making communication ineffective.

Hence, I usually don't use more than seven slides and use them only when it is a must. A slide may take three minutes. So if you have thirty minutes, you can use up to seven slides.

I have also used a three minute video to convey a message or set the context and then speak to the audience. In some context due to their behavioral pattern, one will be forced to use power-point presentations.

Within the UN System, this is indeed a problem. Because everyone is used to power-point presentations. I often joked that within the UN System, you actually neither have 'power' nor many 'points' . So we use 'power-points' - and often many recycle the same power points as one will be saying more or less the same tape-record in different countries.

Leadership communication is about people ,ideas, and action

In leadership communications, the quality of content is as important as the form of communication. There those with excellent or even world-class expressive skills. They can charm people with words, tone, smile and wit. But towards the end of the day, such an impressive communication is like eating an 'ice-cream'. It is nice and good when you hear it. But nothing stays within you after you leave.

You may remember the person who delivered an impressive speech. You may not remember what he /she said because it was all more style, wit and quick bites as opposed to substantive ideas.

A good leadership communication requires home work, reading and preparations. Many also may have to put together ideas in speaking notes. For others, they might have internalized the ideas and preparation so much that they can indeed speak extempore.

Almost all the time, I speak extempore. And often I wrote the speech after I speak or someone record the speech and the share the transcripts. But this does not mean that I don't do preparation. I do read and think at least for two days on those points when going for walk or early morning before one gets up. But when I get on a podium, I usually don't read notes, as I have often already organized the same in mind

The point is that all leadership communications require homework and informed thinking and analysis. But the most important point is to ensure that you communicate to the people, and what you communicate is relevant to them and it makes sense to them and you inspire them with ideas and action that prompt them to make a difference.

In communications one can build bridges or burn bridges. It all depends on the tone, manner and the way you communicate. Because, it matters how you express your disagreement.

Communication is all about people. And those with great leadership qualities can do communion with people with integrity, imagination and inspiration. They are those who make magic with words and deeds.

(To be continued)