Next-Level Communication Strategies For Leaders

Throughout my career in the finance industry, I've come to realise that communication skills are amongst the most important skills you can possess. Effective communication is crucial when communicating with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, and it can make all the difference when it comes to achieving success in any industry. To stay relevant in today's job market, it's essential to continuously improve and refine your communication skills.

If you're looking to improve your communication and inspire those around you in the workplace, there are several techniques you can learn. These include actively listening, offering constructive feedback, and practising empathy. And the best part? These skills can be learned by anyone.

Here are some science-based techniques you can apply to take your communication skills to the next level!?

Active Listening

Active listening is the highest form of listening in communication. This means paying close attention to who you're communicating with. You can do this by engaging with them, asking questions, and rephrasing what they told you.

For me, it pays to be an active listener. Not only do you build respect with your colleagues and increase understanding in the workplace, but you also build more rapport with your colleagues and become more attentive to tiny details.?

You can improve your active listening skills by paying more attention to body language, tone of voice, and the facial expressions of whoever you are talking to. For instance, when conversing with your teammate at lunch, you can show them that you are engaged and tuned in fully by noting their body language, making eye contact, and inquiring more about the topic of conversation.

Simplify Language

You don't need to use industry jargon when communicating with your colleagues. You'd be surprised: some of the best-loved media pieces are the shortest and simplest to understand. For instance, Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was only two minutes long and had only 286 words.?

A study on speech analysis conducted a poll involving 110 Stanford graduates, which revealed an interesting finding. Most participants admitted that they would modify the language used in an academic essay to sound more sophisticated and intelligent. While this may be effective in an academic setting, it may not always translate well in a business or professional context.

In 2007, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Michael Dell delivered a presentation at the same conference and spoke at a below-collegiate level of diction. The audience considered Steve Jobs the most impactful speaker; he spoke at the vocabulary level of a fifth-grader. On the other hand, Dell delivered his speech at the level of a 9th grader, while Gates spoke at a 10th-grade level. What made Jobs the most effective speaker was that his decision to use lower-level words was deliberate, and his ability to simplify his big ideas worked in his favour of him.?

Offer Constructive Feedback Properly

Lastly, you have to offer feedback well. Great communicators thrive off the feedback and can accept constructive feedback and provide constructive input to others.

Providing and accepting feedback is an essential workplace skill. I can attest to the power of feedback; I would not be a good speaker nor be as eloquent if I did not receive feedback from my colleagues and friends whose personal and professional opinions I valued. My mentors consistently gave me feedback on my performance and how I presented. Over time, I grew better slowly and surely.

It can help you and others improve your work and professional development.?

One great way to give feedback is to follow the sandwich method. The sandwich method starts with positive feedback, then follows up with what the other person can work on and improve. Lastly, you reinforce with positive feedback. This feedback method works, especially if the other person is more sensitive.?

At Mental Rockstar Academy, I designed engaging and strategic training programs for employees that can help with this specific aspect of communication.?

Empathy

Empathy is all about understanding the feelings of those around you. It is also being able to relate to them and actively worry about your colleagues personally. It means you care - and it is about being good. Practising empathy is a skill that can improve your personal life and career.???

You can start by looking after the well-being of your colleagues.?

Work burnout is still one of the most common problems in the workplace today. It also becomes a greater risk during great pressure and intense stress. My experience with it was definitely one of the most challenging events in my life…but that’s a story for another time.?

If you observe signs of burnout among your colleagues or team members, it's important to take action to support them. Approaching the situation with empathy and understanding can help your colleagues feel heard and supported. Try to create a safe and open space for them to express their concerns and feelings.?

Additionally, you can suggest that they take a break or time off to recharge and re-energise. Encourage them to engage in activities that they enjoy outside of work, and remind them that it's absolutely okay to prioritise self-care.?

Take your Communication Skills to the next level with The Mental Rockstar Program!

Overall, communication plays a crucial role in the productivity of an organisation. The best ways you can improve and truly level up your communication skills are to be clear, concise, and consistent in practicing these tips we have provided you. With that, you'll develop a better rapport with your colleagues. You will also perform better and get more things done.?

You can look up other employee training programs to help them improve their communication skills.?

The Mental Rockstar Program is a program that is designed for organisations aiming to excel in their respective industries. YuJin, an award-winning mental toughness expert, former lawyer, and investment banker, uses his deep corporate world knowledge to lead and produce this program. So contact Mental Rockstar today to unleash your peak performance in your workplace!