The Subtle Art of Effective Communication
The importance of effective communication cannot be overstated within the business world. Communication between leaders and those they lead, between two leaders, between two employees or between a company and its audience each use a variation of a communication strategy. Understanding the differences in how to communicate in these various situations is paramount to your success as a business leader. Below are a few tips on two situations that are of great importance as a leader of a business:
Key elements of communication between a leader and an employee:
- Understanding: Ensure that your employee is receiving what he or she needs and that the work is what the employee feels confident completing. Get to know the strengths and interests of your employees and you will be better able to arrange them in the most effective way possible.
- Appreciation: This comes from consistent affirmation of the importance of the work done by the employee, by a clear explanation of what is needed and by the expression of how each employee’s work is part of a bigger accomplishment that could not be done without them.
- Leadership: As a leader, communicating by example of leadership is imperative. Your employees are looking to you to understand the goals, direction and feeling of the company. As a leader you must embody the values of the company and communicate this through your actions and words.
Key elements of communication between a company and the audience:
- Meaning: Consumers are looking for a reason to buy your product or service. You need to have a clear differentiating message to your consumers explaining your mission and value. How will your product or service benefit them?
- Personality: What is your company voice? What words do you use to talk about a topic? Determine the personality and character of your company voice and then stick with it! People naturally connect with voices they can relate to. Consistency is important.
Weaving these subtle messages into general everyday communication takes practice. Remember, employees are just like you. When you become a leader of a company, you will have a responsibility to present yourself in a certain manner, but you should still be able to empathize where an employee is coming from as well. After all, at one point you were in their shoes, so carry their heart with you at all times.