December 2, 2014
Learning is a journey not a destination. To expand your leadership capabilities, you need to keep improving communication skills each and every day. This will help you adapt fast to the ever changing workplace ethics and protocols.
5 Tips on How to Improve Your Communication Skills
Below are some tips on improving communication skills that have stood the test of time and proved to be effective in enhancing manner in which leaders communicate with their staff.
Consider Hiring Coach
There are a number of professional communication executive coach who have the skills and information required to teach you how to use various skills and tactics. Nowadays, most of them have websites and blogs that you can use to contact them from the comfort of your office or house. Be sure to first understand terms and conditions that govern provision of their services to make an intelligent decision. For example, inquire about their charges, availability and acceptable payment options.
Outsource and Network with Other Leaders
These are two of the most powerful ways of establishing yourself as a leader and authority in the current competitive business world. Outsourcing basically refers to seeking for information that you can use to enhance your communication skills. You can do this by attending various conferences, meetings and other corporate events that are held to discuss communication and managerial skills. On the other hand, networking refers to the process of linking with other leaders in a bid to share ideas and information on how to effectively communicate with staff. You will surely learn a gold-worthy tips as you interact.
Learn to Listen
It is impossible to respond to questions asked by clients if you don’t first take time to listen to what they have to say. As a leader, you need to attentively pause and listen to what the audience has to say before proceeding. As you do so, concentrate on their words and statements so as to read between the lines. You will be surprised by the things your team or staff members are trying to convey if you do so. Such an in-depth understanding will significantly help you to know how to respond to their questions without hurting their feelings. Take time to think about the questions as rushing to respond can result in dissemination of irrelevant or inaccurate answers.
Care about Their Emotions
Leaders are totally different from managers because they are keen about the manner in which they treat their staff. Hence, you need to choose your words right and speak in an empathetic manner when discussing issues and facts. Avoid being egocentric or using your status quo to your advantage as this can discourage them from contributing to the conversation.
Use Simple Language
One of the reasons why you were chosen to lead the team is because you possess a set of skills and expertise that most of them probably don’t have. Hence, it is of paramount importance to use simple language that is easy to understand yet related to the issue being address. For example, when explaining how new equipment works; desist from using jargon words when during the orientation process.
Finally, take time to read books and magazines that address various communication topics.