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10 Communication Tips That Make for
Effective Leadership,
especially in hard times
 Think
before speaking. In tough times people will not only hold on
to every word a leader says, but they will also expend energy to sort
out precisely what leaders are not saying. Leaders need to tailor the
message so that a clear picture of the issues is presented to the audience
in a meaningful and controlled way.
- Stay focused by combining the short- and long-term pictures.
Leaders need to be effective at sorting through the real issues. By
pointing out past challenges and using specific examples to underscore
their message, leaders remind others that they will pull through this
time as well as in the past.
- Handle emotions effectively. Leaders need to be fluid.
Leaders cannot leave or display how angry or frustrated they are. If
they do, they become part of the problem.
- Be hopeful, instill hope, and do something. Leaders
need to link their messages to the broader mission or vision of the
organization. Leaders need to present a clear plan of how they can achieve
desired end results. Leaders need to offer a positive approach for dealing
with bad news.
- Recognize that quality gossip is good. When bad news
needs to be delivered, people appreciate an informal heads-up in advance
of a more formal gathering. This provides an opportunity for people
to talk among themselves and to console each other and maybe even come
up with some effective tactics.
- Be transparent when answering questions. Use simple
language, address issues upfront and be willing to admit unfamiliarity
or ignorance of certain questions.
- Point out successes in a timely manner. Leaders need
to not only announce any successes, but link the success to the goal
or vision of the organization.
- Follow through on commitments. One essential way
to build and foster trust is to follow through on commitments, particularly
as they relate to the vision and mission of the organization.
- Listen well. Listen for more than what’s being
said; pay attention to what’s not being said and try to spot unspoken
expectations that are not clearly communicated verbally or in writing.
It’s about picking up on what people are thinking, how they are
acting and what they are not necessarily verbalizing.
- Avoid surprises. Keep everyone informed and up to
date on issues and address questions before they become problems.
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