If we run our own business, communication skills are even more important – because we have to handle many of the activities listed above by ourself.
But these are just some of our work-related communications. We also need personal communication skills to enhance our relationships with friends, significant others, family, banks, insurance companies, etc., and to make our lives run harmoniously. Communication is also like water. We many take it for granted. But it’s what gives us life, and makes everything else flow.
Effective groups and teams are pertinent to organizational successes as much organizational work is completed by groups and teams rather than individuals. In any work environment, the ability to express one’s opinion and feelings without disrupting harmony is fundamental to the long-term progress of the organization. Unfortunately, many people are not trained to express themselves in a constructive and productive manner. Failing to communicate causes the most problems in an organization. The result is not only a lack of genuine communication between members of the workforce, but can be devastating to the organization in the long run. It causes confusion, at best it will lead to the stifling of ideas and creativity, at worst it can lead to passive resistance and sabotage, and leads to plan failing. As a leader, the most important responsibility is to accomplish tasks and provide valuations. As more leaders at all levels of the organization compete in multicultural environment, you need to build and manage a high performing team to assist organization achieve result. Therefore longitudinal and crosswise communications are extremely important. This requires their effectiveness on communication. As Barrett (2005:p.3) points out that: “effective leadership depends on effective communication. It is through effective communication that leaders guide, direct, motivate and inspire. Without effective communication, a manager accomplishes little. Without effective communication, a manager is not an effective leader.” Moreover, Walters (2007) also states that: “for many executives, issues such as building a culture of ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability are paramount, along with traditional priorities of financial health, quality, productivity, and furthering of the company’s vision and values. The realization of any and all of these issues relies upon a different level of attention to deliberate, strategic, and skilful communication.” This means that leaders are communicated to be, they must be able to share their knowledge and concepts, to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. Good communication involves both giving and receiving information. A well-functioning group works when members feel that their views are being heard and addressed. And a leader must communicate effectively to achieve this. A good example is you wouldn’t be happy to work in an organization which your boss always tells you to do things and never listen to you. Effective communication skills for leaders will teach you to organize and structure complex business information so that it is easy for diverse audiences to understand and use. If a leader can’t get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn’t even matter. This explained how much leadership relies on communication.
People use communication to resolve conflict and facilitate innovation as well as to negotiate, it helps leaders become unstoppable in creating the possibilities that they want to achieve in their careers. As noted by Denver Business Journal (1997) that: “friction decreases productivity in all areas. Most managers spend at least 15-percent of their time (nine weeks per year!) dealing with ‘personality’ squabbles that good interpersonal communication skills and supporting communications could help mediate.” Today’s leaders don’t use command-and-control. Instead, they leverage their communication, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills to inspire employees to ever higher levels of performance. In most social interactions and economic activities, an ideal and recognized leader invariably emerges as the most competent communicator. It helps them find their leadership voice and communicate their ideas assertively. It is a critical skill to develop in order to achieve new possibilities in their work.
What is leadership? Leadership is process of influencing a group toward the achievement of goals, it is a balancing act, It requires communicating a compelling vision, convincing others to buy into that vision, and marshaling resources and talent to make it happen.
Leadership is about growth. It is about moving from where we want to be. Moving through and beyond our fears. Becoming more fulfilled and helping others.
None of this will happen if we do not share our ideas and feelings with others. People will not know our vision. They will not be able to feel our passion. No one will learn from you. No one can follow you.
What’s more, you will not grow. Many speakers and teachers, for example, find that when they are communicating, they learn more than their students do. In order to teach, you have to really know your subject. You learn what works and doesn’t. What sounds logical. How people react. You hear other people’s ideas, and these go beyond your own. That is when the real growth begins.
Leadership also depends on listening. Why is listening so important? It is the other side of the “bridge” between people. You can talk, preach, write, paint, or act all you want. But if no one as important. “I tell you what to do.” No question asked. End of communication.
Leadership from within, however, is about partnership. And partnership depends on communication. On finding shared values and common ground. On teamwork or alignment of our visions and passions to make a different. To be a leader-from-within, you have to know how to connect with your listeners. To understanding what they want, and to work together to create it.
Another essential part of partnership is trust, or a sense of confidence in and connection with another person. This is based on integrity and caring. It comes from knowing yourself and understanding the other person. It is relationship developed through communication.
Life is not about being a solitary individual. It is about relationship. How we get along together. How we help or hurt each other. And whether we make shared progress or try to self-made men or women. In anyone’s success, there are others involved.
These are just some methods of communication used by leaders
Conclusion
In summary, the very human advancement or reversal can be understood through communication. Effective leaders should recognize the importance of good communication. Leadership communication is a strategic necessity. People are the heart and soul of any business, in order for your business to truly succeed. It’s vital that you communicate them effectively.
References
Barrett, Deborah. 2005. Leadership communication. McGraw-Hill Professional.
Denver Business Journal. 27th Jan 1997.
Walters, Jamie. 2007. AQP Journal of Quality & Participation