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Communication tips for successful leadership by Laura Persky, Ed.D.


One of the interesting insights about great communication is that there are few secrets, it mostly seems like common sense but sometimes we forget, are too timid or careful, or have a political agenda to contend with. Here are my top ten suggestions for successful leadership communication.

      1.     Talk to your team! Ask teammates, associates and subordinates how they are doing? Ask if they have what they need to their job. Ask what you, as the team leader, can do to help them. Say thank you often. Talks to others in your organization as well. Make friends with other departments.

2.      Listen when others are speaking. In fact, listen more than you speak.  Have a dialog with your team, coworkers subordinates don’t just give orders or tell others what to do.

3.      Leadership is everyone’s responsibility. If something isn’t working right, is broken, or you have an idea for improved efficiency, mention it to someone.  Don’t assume that others will because they may not.  Take responsibility for the work and environment around you. 

4.      Be authentic. Be self-aware and genuine by knowing your strengths and limitations. You have to question a position if does not allow you to be true to yourself.   

5.      Be honest. Deliver on your promise and don’t promise what you can’t deliver.  Know when to say “I don’t know but I’ll look into it” or “can you help me with something?”

6.      Keep it simple (stupid (KISS). Be concise and clear. Long wordy explanations and stories can be confusing and people will drift off while trying to following along. Try to get to the point so people stay focused on the message.

7.      Inspire action by sharing the vision.  Explain to others how they help on the project, or help the customer. This is particularly important with administrative or customer support.  Everyone should know how important they are to customer service and revenue generation.

8.      Be open to change and new ideas.  Change is inevitable and necessary. “The way we have always done it” may not be the most efficient anymore - maybe it is, but maybe there’s a new technology or process that can positively impact the workflow. Those who do the work are often in an ideal position to recommend improvements to the process.

9.      Be empathetic. Try to understand what other people are going through.  Be sure to apologize, when appropriate. Sorry is an underused word that usually makes people much less defensive. 

10.  Know your audience.  What does the person you are talking to need to know? What is their background on the subject?  Adapt the message, style and delivery to the person, situation and the medium.   

Much of this seems like common sense but it is good to be reminded.  Let me know what you would add to this list and what works for you. 

Dr. Laura Persky
Graduate Program Director

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