Bridging the gaps with your team can happen through effective communication. How you communicate with yourself is how you will communicate with your team and other members of your organization. Communication is an art that is seeded from deep within you and is let out to the world. It’s one of the most important skills in leadership. Words can either make us successful or break us!
Let’s take a look at a few examples
Meet Linda, a smart and outgoing manager. Linda wanted her team to grow, but her attempts at effective communication were unsuccessful. At times, she was commanding. She would say “I am the manager and I need you to do the following tasks.” Mistake!
Do you find yourself leading this way at times? Don’t!
Let’s meet another manager, Mark. He is a humble leader, and he communicates with his team with care, empathy, compassion, and respect. Mark never mentions his title in a commanding way. Instead, he works hand in hand with his team day in and out. There is unspoken respect and care amongst all team members. He has created a collaborative atmosphere through effective communication and care. Way to go, Mark!
How many people want to communicate the way Mark does with his team? Do you have similar traits as Mark?
Mastering your communication skills
Communication is a top skill you must learn to bond with your team. In a previous article in the Skills in Leadership series, we focused on the formula for happy thoughts for a happier you. We concluded that the things we say to ourselves will have a significant impact on how we communicate with others. Now, let’s go over some action steps to help you improve your team communication skills.
Action 1
Master your smile. Your smile is part of your attire, so before leaving your home make sure you take it with you. Smile when you meet your team, throughout the day, and at the end of the day, wish them a great evening.
Tip: Let your eyes shine! Ensure your eyes are wide open along with your smile. A smile with your eyes makes a smile from the heart.
Action 2
Be genuine in your conversations at all times. Convey humility in your voice by:
- Active listening and giving feedback and ideas, as it shows that you value others;
- Encouraging inclusivity, it gives sense of belonging and respect;
- Encouraging collaboration, as it will help strengthen your team
Action 3
Erase your ego. Come off as humble in all your conversations, so that people trust you and work hard for you. Be self-aware and listen to how you communicate with your team. Ask your leader or a peer to observe your communication style and provide feedback.
Action 4
Display empathy and compassion in your voice. Empathy is a soft skill that can be learned, such as when you put yourself in others’ shoes and help them find solutions and come up with ideas. Let your team know you care about everyone’s well-being.
Action 5
Display sincerity. Communicate with honesty and truthfulness, without any hidden agendas, and be transparent and open to feedback.
Action 6
Give praise and recognition daily for everything, from the smallest to the biggest accomplishments. Give handwritten thank you notes, on-the-spot feedback, public recognition in meetings, praise, and positive feedback. The more recognition you give, the more people will work for you.
Try these tips and see how your communication with your team will strengthen. See you soon in the next article on skills in leadership. Happy communicating!