My new leadership mantra for communication
I have a challenge for you!
I’d like to request that you be clearer when you communicate.
I see so many leaders avoid clear communication because they feel uncomfortable.
I get it. I don’t like to be uncomfortable either.
But I have learned over the years that when I act with courage and have uncomfortable conversations, things always improve in the long run.
Plus, these conversations are never as tough as I imagined they might be.
Think about it this way, if you avoid being clear with other people, the following consequences are inevitable:
- Behavioural change will not occur. When you avoid giving constructive feedback, the other person will not improve. No feedback. No improvement. It’s as simple as that!
- Your expectations will not be met. If you don’t clearly articulate what you expect from others, they will disappoint you every time. People want to know what you expect from them. It’s both empowering and helps them to be productive.
- Trust will be diminished. The key to any high-trust relationship is transparency. Lack of transparency causes gossip, builds assumptions and can be viewed as disrespectful.
My client shared this wonderful expression with me last week:
Clear is kind.
This phrase is my new leadership mantra!!
Take a minute to reflect on your current communication patterns and tendencies.
Are you making the time to have those difficult conversations?
Are you clearly articulating your expectations to others?
Are you transparently communicating your needs and requirements?
How can you leverage this mantra of clear is kind to be more successful and effective in your leadership practice?
