Why is communicating powerfully and prolifically a
crucial part of leadership?
Effective communication is an integral part of the world
we live in, and is a crucial part of successful leadership. Being able to share
thoughts and convey ideas is key to getting along with others and fostering
positive relationships. Leaders may have earth-shattering ideas or a great love
for team members, but without effective communication, they won’t be able to
convey or implement these ideas. I would even venture to say that great
leadership is great communication, because people are inspired, motivated, and committed
through words and communication. Great leaders are able to communicate in such
a way that their team members know they are valued, needed, and important while
simultaneously communicating the need to achieve goals and stretch abilities.
The communications department at BYU is an excellent example of the important
need for communication. The major consists of four emphases that all relate to communicating
and sharing ideas with people. The end result of positive communication is to
motivate people to change, make a decision, be informed, or make a difference
and these are essential goals of leadership as well.
Throughout your life you will serve in various leadership
roles everywhere from family roles to work roles to church roles. Every day you
communicate what you believe to those around you through your words and your
actions. Todd and Joe expressed how important it is that your messages are
rooted in what you believe. In the future, how can you make sure what you
communicate is rooted in your beliefs?
As ridiculous as it sounds, oftentimes people don’t say
what they really mean or they sugarcoat what they do say. In my ethics class we
had an entire class period about lying and how social lies are acceptable and
even encouraged. An important part of this concept is saying how I genuinely
feel about things, regardless of what may be socially expected. It can be done
with tact and love, but honesty is critical in communication. If people don’t
know who you really are from what you say, how else can they get to know you? Another
important concept is taking as many opportunities as I can to share who I am
and what I believe, even when I am communicating in a professional or somewhat
less personal environment. Todd and Joe talked about the public relations
department and how employees really have to believe in what they are trying to
advocate. People know when there is a lack of real belief or enthusiasm in
something, and they will be less motivated to change or buy a product when the
person promoting it doesn’t believe in it himself. I’m working to discover what
values are most important to me personally and communicate those in the most
effective ways possible.
Todd and Joe gave us some great hints to help leaders
communicate powerfully and prolifically. Develop a step-by-step process that
you can follow in order to communicate your desired message to those you lead.
1.
Prayerfully select team goals and make sure I
personally believe in them. It’s not enough that the goals have a positive
outcome; I need to have conviction and passion for the goals I propose.
2.
Present ideas in a clear and focused manner. My
main points should be laid out and explained so there is as little ambiguity as
possible. Being prepared for this is important and may involve an outline of my
thoughts as well as a rehearsal of specifically important points.
3.
Ask the team to restate ideas in their own words
so there is definite mutual understanding. Even if I think I have clearly
communicated my thoughts, a vital part of communication is making sure the
listeners understood the messages as they were meant to be conveyed.
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