Your Most Valuable Leadership Asset

As a leader, your communication skills are your most valuable asset.

Want to grow and earn that promotion? You'll need to up your communication game.

The problem is — most people don’t know where to start. And, if you are getting great results but not communicating effectively, you’ll still struggle to get recognition.

But, “Go learn to communicate better” really isn’t helpful advice.

After leading massive transformative programs at Apple and Amazon, founding a tech company, and mentoring MBA students I’ve developed a great way to level-up communication.

Best part?

It’s super easy to understand and can work for anyone.

Let's dive right in...

Step 1 — Know your purpose

Why are you communicating? Are you gathering information to make a decision? Are you seeking support for something you intend to do? Are you directing someone? If you aren't clear on your purpose, the other party won't be, either. Keep to a single purpose if possible. What's the shortest and clearest way of stating your purpose? Hold on to that thought for Step 4.

Step 2— Know yourself

Are you stressed out? If so, this may not be the best time to compose that communication. Is your natural style too wordy (I'm guilty of this one!)? Write out what you want to say separately and then summarize to main points. You may include the detail "below the fold" or not at all depending on your audience... Paying attention to how your strengths, weaknesses and style show up in your communications makes a big difference in improving.

Step 3 — Know your audience

Are you communicating to someone who reports to you? A stakeholder? Your boss or an executive? For emails, imagine the reader won't read past the first paragraph or even first couple sentences. Tune your level of detail and word choices to your audience. For an executive, be very clear up front about your purpose. Are you asking for approval? Say so. Are you briefing them on an event or decision? Say so.

Step 4 — Know your message

Stay on the core subject. Review the statements you are making. Is what you are saying true? Is it useful? Is it clear? This "true and useful" filter is especially important if you are communicating about something challenging or controversial like a problem with a project. Do not bring in secondary topics unnecessarily. Every bit of attention you get on your message is valuable. Don't dilute it.

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A quick review of these four points for your critical communications will boost your effectiveness immensely. And, building habits around these for all your communications will unlock your potential.

One final "secret" — Do you really want to internalize these? Good answer. The best way to do that is to teach them to your people. Have them use this technique when communicating with you. Teaching others will help you internalize it, too.

Reply with your thoughts or stories on effective communication, questions on this topic, topics you'd like to see me cover, or just to let me know how you are getting on!

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Best,

— Gregor