As a business leader, being able to communicate with your team effectively is key to ongoing productivity and workplace harmony. To help you in your efforts, review effective communication skills for leaders that you can use throughout your professional life. You’ll enjoy a more rewarding career and will stress less!
Active Listening
Really, truly listening to your employees, fellow managers, affiliates, and anyone else who enters your workplace is a much-appreciated skill. It means you are focused on the person, not what’s on your to do list or when you’ll write that response email. Listening is a sign of respect, unlike thinking about other things when someone is talking and then speaking about something off-topic. Everyone wants to feel heard, whether they are at work or anywhere else.
Among the effective listening skills to keep in mind include maintaining eye contact, refraining from interrupting or making judgment comments, and offering related solutions.
Constructive Feedback
Effective communication skills for leaders include being able to provide constructive feedback. Doing so gives team members the tools they need to be even more successful, whether they work on small or large projects. Constructive feedback is never accusatory or demeaning, rather it is meant to inspire employees and boost morale.
An example of such feedback could go something like, “I loved the detailed introductions you provided on those last five blog posts for the [name] car dealership. You really made it clear what the posts were going to be about and encouraged the readers to learn more. I want you to apply the same detail-driven intros to landing page assignments as well. Let me know if you have any questions!”
Recognition of Good Work
Who doesn’t want to be recognized for the hard work they put in? Effective business communication isn’t just about the work, it’s also about appreciating the work. Both verbal and written recognition-related communication helps employees feel appreciated and valued, such as writing an email “shout-out” regarding top-selling team members for the month or talking about what a great job various team members are doing during the next meeting. Small prizes are also ways to recognize jobs well done, like providing gift cards or additional paid vacation days.
Transparency
Being transparent about assignments, upcoming workload changes, office relocations, and everything else having to do with your team is another communication essential. Employees who “never know” what’s going on can get behind on work, feel disrespected, and rarely get the opportunity to share their ideas. Conversely, keeping your team updated on what’s happening in the company helps them feel like they are truly part of the business instead of numbers on a payroll sheet. Remaining transparent also gives employees the opportunity to ask timely questions that help them stay productive.
When being transparent about, well, anything, keep clarity in mind. Being as specific as possible avoids unnecessary questions that eat up company time and allows team members to get to work. It also creates less confusion and frustration that can contribute to a tense work environment.
Open Body Language
Effective communication skills for leaders isn’t just about focusing on the person you are talking to and making eye contact. It’s also about the right body language. Crossing your arms, maintaining a furrowed brow, and clenching your fists does not help employees feel like they can come to you with questions or concerns. A more relaxed approach to body language makes it clear that you are here to talk whenever team members need assistance. They will feel more at ease as a result.
For more about effective communication skills for leaders, please contact Peaceful Leaders Academy today!
