When you think of what is important around the ability to communicate, especially as a leader, what comes up for you?

Communication is a broad term with many different elements.

Not only does communication encompass capabilities including: active listening, message clarity, providing effective feedback, and more, but as a leader, one needs to consider how much and how often to communicate. For example, you might question yourself  on whether or not you are communicating enough with your team.

How often to communicate.

I’ve worked with many leaders who tell me they feel they need to “step back” and not engage so much with their direct reports, leading to too little communication. This can be dangerous as individuals may create stories in their minds that lead them to believe things that are not true. When there is too little communication, individuals may feel unimportant and/or ignored, all typically leading to lower employee engagement and/or lower morale. In fact, a 2023 Workhuman study revealed that 30% of employees feel invisible at work*. This is something that leaders truly need to pay attention to. Communicating with and listening and responding to their needs can help shift this perspective and the experience.

It’s important to understand what your direct reports want and need.

When I ask my clients how they know what their employees want in terms of how often to communicate and how to communicate, they start to recognize the importance of asking their direct reports. Once the leader has more clarity for each individual who reports to them, they can be more intentional around how and how often to communicate, empowering the direct report to have some say. A word of caution… if you don’t already have a good relationship, including trust with your direct reports, it may be challenging to get a response from them. This will require you to take a step back and start to learn how to and intentionally work to build trust.

What do you find to be your biggest challenge in the area of communication?

Many people believe they actively listen, but with the amount of distraction in our world, it takes great focus. Working to be present in the moment, is a great place to start. Then, reflecting, reframing and summarizing what you are hearing is a healthy and helpful way to confirm you are hearing what the speaker is intending, and is a great way to let the speaker know they are being heard. Take a moment to notice the impact your listening has the next time you are in communication with someone.

I have client organizations that have shared with me the challenge many leaders have in delivering effective feedback. This applies to both positive and constructive feedback.

Other leaders tell me they need to work on being more concise (and clear) in their messaging.

Regardless of where you may have opportunities to improve, it is possible!

What do you know to be true about your direct reports and/or others in your organization? Are they engaged? If not, how is the quality of communication impacting their engagement?

I work with individuals, teams and organizations helping them to identify where they could improve and provide experiential opportunities for this learning. Curious to learn more? Let’s connect.

“Communication is the real work of leadership.” – Nitin Nohria

*https://www.workhuman.com/blog/human-workplace-index-the-price-of-invisibility/