7 Most Important Ways Leaders Communicate

It is no secret that communication is the key to one's success.   The most important element of effective communication is not what you are saying but how you engage others and make them feel.  True leaders know the art of communicating and are able to influence others and show that they care.

Following are 7 important and easy communication tips of great leaders.  

Listen  Deeply.  Listen with feeling.  Listening is one of the most important elements of communication. When you listen deeply, you go beyond the surface and listen with understanding.  It is the first step in making a connection.   When you don't speak and are mindful of what others are saying, you hear things at a different level.  Their message becomes more clear and is not clouded by your thoughts. The next time you are in a conversation, challenge yourself to not talk for one minute, just listen to what the other person is saying. You will be surprised by what you learn.

Less is More. Make conversations meaningful and significant.  Most people like to hear themselves talk but a leader knows that what they are saying isn't as important as what the other person is learning and feeling.

Clear with Direction. Focus on being clear and concise. But also know where you want to take your listeners and how you want to make them feel. Your audience will relate and remember what you are saying when you weave a story into your message.

Positive and Show Appreciation. Leaders need to communicate with inspiration and empower their teams to grow.  When you see potential within people and are positive in nature, you develop individuals into leaders.  There are times when you need to deliver a message that is not positive.  In that case, deliver the news with care and appreciation versus fear and judgement.   

Ask Questions When you take the time to be curious and understand what is important to others, you start a dialogue instead of a lecture.  Asking questions, opens the conversation to new ideas and growth.

Be Confident.  When you are confident you are more believable.  Remember the power pose by Amy Cuddy.  You have to believe in yourself before others believe in you.  Tell yourself that you can do it.

Make a Connection. Remember body language represents 55% of communication.  When leaders communicate with body language, their stance is open, they are expressive in their movements and use eye contact.  Try it and see what happens.  When you speak to someone with your arms folded, see how it makes you feel. You are withdrawn  and closed off.  But when you unfold your arms,  you are open to receiving and are more inviting. Try it with your eyes.  Watch what happens when two people make eye contact.  You often can see what they are feeling. 

There are many qualities that make a exceptional leader but when you start with the basics of communication you set the foundation for growth in people and organizations. Communication is not about YOU, but fulfilling a need and adding value to your listeners.  How do you rate your communication skills? Do you do at least 3 of the above?  Thank you for reading and please leave a comment.  
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