Communication is Key in Leadership

Discussions Include:

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• Communication as a key element in leadership
• Relationship between communication + effective leadership
• The art of "mindful listening"
• Focusing more on leader efforts
• Accountability as a leadership skill
• 3 basic communication skills for leaders
• Keeping communication clear on all levels
• The art of appreciation and giving praise

The Hangout:

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The Conversation:

ZEF: If real estate is all about "location, location, location," in business, it's all about "communication, communication, communication." In fact, communication is key in everything we do. I personally think its importance is tripled in leadership! Good communication is the most important key in leadership because good leaders = good communicators. Think about it, how do the best leaders motivate and inspire their people? Through clear communication.

Scott, your resume indicates that you have some experience with leadership. I see you graduated from West Point, the school for U.S. military leaders, and then for many years you were in charge of management training for all senior leaders at New York Life. Tell me from your experience, what is the relationship between communications and effective leadership?

SCOTT: Great question, Zef, which is, in fact, the fundamental question. A leader has to communicate the vision for the group. I believe somewhere in the Bible, it states, "without vision, the people will perish!" It is the responsibility of the leader to be able to ensure that everyone in the organization knows where they are going, what the purpose is, and what the main strategies are to get there. So many employees languish in their jobs without motivation, without a sense of purpose, and confused about the goals of their organization. In a nutshell, there are four key points for leaders to get things done:

1. They must articulate an exciting and compelling vision or goal
2. They must determine what are the key things that must be done on a daily and weekly basis that will have the biggest impact on achieving the goal
3. They must communicate progress towards goals by creating scoreboards that the entire organization can see to measure and motivate progress
4. Leaders must hold their teams accountable by following up on their individual commitments for daily and weekly efforts

ZEF: I truly agree about the "following up" part especially. Many leaders fail on this because they often "assume" that things get done, until it is too late. With communications, we usually think about the speaking aspect of it. Is there another element of communications that we should focus on today?

SONDRA: Mindful listening is very important. It is good to be aware that our minds are always moving. As we go on to talk about the importance of communication, I want to make a point that its also all of our responsibilities to make sure we really listen to what each other has to say. 

Your Hosts:

Meet Zef Here!

W. SCOTT ANDERS
WScottAnders

"As a financial advisor with Eagle Strategies, W. Scott Anders helps individuals and families achieve financial security and peace of mind. This can be achieved through implementing sound financial plans and keeping current." 

SONDRA FIRESTEIN
Pursuit Of Seattle

"Sondra is the founder of PursuitofSeattle.com, which offers concierge, lifestyle management, and personal assistance services. 'I work hard so I can play harder. When I'm not helping others find balance in their lives, you can find me eating delicious food, paddleboarding, or dancing like nobody is watching.'"

Tips & Solutions:

ZEF'S TIPS ON COMMUNICATING WITH TEAMS:

What I have learned comes down to three basic communication skills for leaders:

• Be specific - learn to communicate with clarity. Make sure you get your message through by getting to the point!
• Have an open mind - seek the opinions of others. Don't be afraid of opposing views, these are what will help us grow as better leaders
• Shut up and listen! - Great leaders know when to dial it up and when to dial it down. The best communicators are great listeners. Great communicators are skilled at reading a person or group by sensing the moods, dynamics, attitudes, values, and concerns of those being communicated with. 

SCOTT'S TIPS ON HOW TO BUILD COMMUNICATION SKILLS:


Creating a successful business is something that I think is very unappreciated. I think many see being a small business owner or entrepreneur as just another job. The reality is, however, the impact of a successful business has ramifications that can improve the lives of hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people. Not just the business owner, but the employees, the customers, and all who benefit from the products or services provided. Take Steve Jobs and Apple, for example, the impact of his creativity and his leadership has made and will continue to make an enormous impact on the lives of so many. So don't be daunted in your efforts. If you are listening to this Creative Chat Cafe, you are on the right path, as you recognize that in order to grow your business, you need to grow personally. You have to make time to gather new ideas and build new relationships that will make your life and your business better.

"A key tip for leaders is focusing on managing efforts, not results. Results come from efforts but you cannot demand of someone something that they cannot control. For example, in a sales situation, the sales person cannot control the results, as it requires the willing participation of another person. The sales person can, however, control how many times they ask people to buy, or how many meetings they complete with qualified potential clients."

Managing efforts focuses entirely on what individuals can commit to on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You can hold someone accountable for something they can control. Accountability is often used, but is misunderstood and many people don't know how to do this. When you focus on managing efforts, you ask team members to commit to specific actions they can control and then you keep score of their results. At its most simple, on a weekly basis, you check in with team members together - asking how each of them did on their commitments for the week.If they got them done - great; if not - what got in the way? What needs to change to hit the numbers this week? It isn't a lecture or "beat up" session. It is a collaborative way for everyone to share progress towards goals and for the key component of getting results. Accountability should be implemented through these weekly meetings and discussions of progress towards goals.

SONDRA'S TIPS ON KEEPING COMMUNICATION CLEAR ON ALL LEVELS:

• Objective - what you are doing as a whole and as a part. Make it clear what your overarching goal is, how a team member can help reach that goal, and how each individual contributes daily to achieve these goals
• Language/Style - Individualized communication style can be great, but if you have a certain standard or process for communications, make sure that they are known. This doesn't only apply to conversations with those outside of the company; everyone within the company should follow these guidelines, which can strengthen company identity.
• Feedback - Use constructive criticism. Make sure people know how to improve, not just what they have to do. Encourage your employees to give you feedback as well. Making sure everyone has a voice, or at least an opportunity for a voice, will allow for a more positive work environment. 
• Appreciation - we are part of a time and age where people know that just getting the job done isn't satisfying enough - people want more. They want praise for a job well done. Let them know that they are a valuable part of your business - giving them ownership to continue being leaders on their own.

"If I don't know what I'm supposed to do, I keep asking questions until I finally have an idea of what's expected of me. I hate having to do things twice, so I just pester enough people until I know."

"It's Your Ship!"

Scott had mentioned this book during the Creative Chat Cafe as being a form of inspiration for him and his style of leadership and management. 

Since the publication of this novel, Captain D. Michael Abrashoff has been helping managers and leaders to achieve breakthrough results from implementing practical solutions in the company that he co-founded, GLS Worldwide.

GLS Worldwide provides services related to Talent Management, Talent-Focused Leadership, and Keynote Speeches.

For more information, visit: GLS Worldwide