Communication Lessons to Learn from Great Leaders

Leadership success requires effective communication skills that go beyond just talking. Understanding the subtler elements of communication that are often overlooked is essential. Great communicators possess the ability to develop a sharp external awareness that sets them apart from others who struggle in their interactions with people. They are not just exceptional talkers but also excellent listeners and astute observers.

Effective communication is crucial for professional success, whether at the interpersonal, intergroup, intragroup, organisational, or external level. However, the key to becoming an effective communicator lies in understanding and adapting to the people you are communicating with. While learning excellent communication skills is relatively easy, using them effectively during challenging situations can be difficult.

Great communicators can read the audience's mood, dynamics, attitudes, values, and concerns. They can quickly adapt their message to the environment without any difficulty. The message is not about the messenger; it's about meeting the needs and expectations of the audience. By consistently applying the following 10 principles in your interactions with others, you can become an excellent communicator who can resonate with people's emotions and aspirations.

Build Trust

Building trust is crucial in any relationship. It is important to be honest and transparent with people, as they are less likely to confide in someone they don't trust. When people believe their leader is trustworthy, they are more willing to take risks and invest their time, which they wouldn't have done if their leader had a reputation for having poor character or lack of integrity. You cannot demand trust but earn it by demonstrating the right actions, thoughts, and decisions. Always remember that people may forgive many things when trust exists, but they will rarely forgive anything where faith is absent.

Get personal

Steve Jobs was famous for his engaging communication style. His product launches were more than presentations; they were conversations with the audience. By connecting emotionally and sharing his passion for innovation, Jobs made Apple's success a personal journey for his team and customers.

It is more effective for organisations to have conversations rather than just issuing corporate communications. Engaging in dialogue instead of monologues is important, and the discussion should be unique and exciting. According to a well-known hypothesis, people are more likely to care about what you know once they know how much you care. Classic business theory suggests that leaders should distance themselves from their team members. However, if you want to understand your team truly, building meaningful relationships with them is essential. Otherwise, you may only know what they are thinking once it is too late to take any action.

Get Specific

Being specific is always better than being ambiguous. It is important to communicate with clarity in a simple, concise way rather than being complicated and confusing. Time is a precious commodity in today's world, and leaders must learn to quickly get to the point and highlight the most important aspects. It is equally important to expect the same from others. Without understanding the value of brevity and clarity, it is unlikely that you will be able to convey your message effectively. Therefore, it is essential to weed out any unnecessary information and make your words count.

Focus on the leave-behinds

When communicating, paying attention to what you leave behind instead of what you take away is essential. Great communicators gather information and effectively transfer ideas, align expectations, inspire action, and share their vision.

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Nelson Mandela demonstrated servant leadership by prioritising the needs of the people. His focus on reconciliation instead of revenge after apartheid ended showcased the power of leaving a positive impact for the greater good.

Approaching each interaction with a servant's heart focusing on contributing more than receiving is the key. Though it may seem counterintuitive, prioritising the other party's wants, needs, and desires, you'll learn more than you ever could by focusing solely on your agenda.

Be open-minded

Having an open mind is crucial for success. A closed mind limits new opportunities and prevents growth. As a leader, you can take your game to the next level by seeking out and engaging with those who hold dissenting opinions and opposing positions. The goal should not be to convince them to change their minds but to understand their perspectives. It's essential to have open dialogues with those who challenge and stretch you, even if their opinions differ from yours. Remember that it's not the opinion that matters but the willingness to discuss it openly and learn from it.

Listen

Influential leaders know when to speak and when to listen. Constantly broadcasting your message won't have the same impact as engaging in meaningful conversations. The best form of communication happens through a dialogue, not a lecture or monologue. You'll become a skilled communicator once you realise that knowledge is not gained by talking but by listening.

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So, it's critical to know when to turn up the volume, when to turn it down, and when to turn it off completely. Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, was praised for her listening skills. By carefully considering diverse opinions within her coalition government, Merkel demonstrated that effective leadership involves speaking and genuinely understanding different stakeholders' concerns.

Empathise

Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul and philanthropist, built her empire on empathetic communication. Through her talk shows, she connected with people personally, addressing their struggles and triumphs with genuine compassion.

Leaders should prioritise empathy over ego. It's important not to let ego get in the way of honest and compassionate communication. When we communicate with empathy, we display authenticity and transparency, lacking in those who communicate from a place of prideful arrogance. Doing so can turn anger into respect and doubt into trust. Understanding this communication principle is crucial to building solid relationships based on mutual understanding and respect.

Read between the lines

Mahatma Gandhi was a keen observer. His ability to understand diverse communities' unspoken needs and sentiments was pivotal in achieving a united, independent India. He spent quality time with people and understood the nuances of their thoughts.

Great leaders possess the ability to read between the lines. They understand what is not explicitly said or witnessed. Good leaders don't view their position as an opportunity to speak more; instead, they know the importance of listening. A wise leader knows that there is much to be gained from the minds and perspectives of others. Keeping your eyes and ears open and refraining from dominating conversations can increase your organisational awareness and become a more effective leader.

Know what you are talking about

When you communicate, you must deeply understand your subject matter. People are unlikely to give you the time of day if you lack expertise. Successful individuals are not interested in listening to those who cannot add value to a conversation but force themselves into it to hear their voices. The days of pretending to have knowledge you don't possess are long gone. Nowadays, being fast and slick does not equate to being credible. While it's true that how you say something matters, what you say is equally important. Skilled communicators focus on both the "what" and "how" aspects of messaging to avoid being perceived as smooth talkers who lack substance.

Speak to groups as individuals

When addressing a group, leaders must make each individual feel like they are being spoken to directly, even in a large setting. The ability to tailor a message and establish credibility, trust, and rapport is crucial for successful interactions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his impactful speeches that connect with people on an individual level. His ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences has been critical to his political success. Great communicators know how to work a room and make their audience feel valued, whether speaking to ten people in a conference room or 1,00,000 people in an open field.

Change the message if required

Have a plan to prevent your message from going wrong, and know how to handle things when they do. Developing a contingency plan and being prepared is another vital component of a successful communications strategy. Remember that effective communication requires aligning your objectives with those you're communicating with.

In rare cases where your expertise, empathy, or clarity don't have the desired effect, you need to be able to adjust your approach on the fly.

Ask thought-provoking questions, use humour, share relevant stories and data, and make bold statements when necessary to connect with your audience and build trust. Keep in mind, however, that using shock tactics should only be used as a last resort. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is known for adjusting his communication style based on the audience. From technical details in shareholder meetings to engaging with the public on social media, Musk adapts his message for maximum impact.

Communication lessons to learn from great leaders are that whenever you need to communicate a message, whether directly or indirectly through a third party, ensure that the statement is true and accurate, well-reasoned and substantiated by solid business logic that is specific, consistent, clear, accurate, and empathetic. Taking a little extra time to perfect your message will save you from a great deal of aggravation and headaches in the long run.