Do leaders know how to communicate? Some yes, some no. Who are the successful ones? Those who educate their communication skills. For example, anyone who has had the opportunity to see his development knows that Elon Musk was not a great communicator. Some would immediately ask: “And, did he become one?”.
If we look at his first clumsy interviews and then the viral interview with the BBC reporter in 2024, we immediately notice the progress. From this comparison, it is clear that Elon Musk is a leader who has worked on his communication. It does not stand out even now through stylistic fire-works, but it is an effective communicator, which helps him to help his goals.
Communication is the superpower and an essential tool of leaders
Effective leaders master the art of communication to inspire, motivate and guide their team to success. This ability transcends the simple transmission of information; it manifests itself in the ability to influence behaviors and decisions, manage conflicts and build strong relationships.
The business environment is changing and complexity is increasing. Leaders must be masters of communication, as they need to successfully manage change. From team meetings to public speeches and strategic negotiations, every interaction of a leader impacts organizational performance.
Authentic communication builds trust and team commitment
Leaders must be aware of the impact their words and actions have on the team. Authentic communication based on trust and transparency strengthens relationships and increases the engagement of team members. Through authentic communication, leaders demonstrate respect for their peers and inspire them to share their ideas and concerns.
For example, in a situation where an organization is facing major change, a leader who communicates openly and honestly about the reasons for and direction of change can reduce anxiety and resistance among employees. This kind of honest and open communication can lead to greater understanding and acceptance of change, thus easing the transition to the new way of operating.
Clear and concise communication optimizes decision-making and performance
To be effective, leaders must be able to convey clear and concise messages to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. Clear and accurate communication simplifies the decision-making process and optimizes team performance. By providing relevant and objective information, leaders can guide the team towards achieving set goals.
For example, in a strategy meeting, a leader who succinctly and effectively communicates the organization’s goals and priorities enables team members to better understand the direction and align with the proposed strategies. This approach reduces the risk of divergence in the interpretation of objectives and ensures greater team cohesion and collaboration.
Active listening and empathy improve relationships and resolve conflicts
In addition, leaders must demonstrate strong active listening and empathy skills to build lasting relationships and manage conflict effectively. Listening carefully to the concerns and perspectives of team members demonstrates respect and understanding and strengthens the bonds between the leader and colleagues.
For example, in a context where there is tension or divergence between team members, a leader who takes an empathic approach and encourages openness and dialogue can facilitate conflict resolution and the restoration of team harmony. By listening carefully to all parties involved and identifying collaborative solutions, the leader can foster a healthy and productive work environment.
According to a study conducted by Harvard Business Review, teams led by leaders with advanced communication skills saw a 47% greater increase in financial performance compared to teams led by leaders with more limited communication skills. Additionally, a recent Gallup survey demonstrated that employees feel more engaged and loyal to organizations where communication between managers and employees is open and transparent.
In conclusion
Communication is an art, and for leaders it is not only a necessary skill, but also a source of competitive advantage in an ever-changing world. Leaders who invest in developing their communication skills can build strong, motivated and engaged teams that will contribute to the organization’s long-term success and growth. Therefore, as leaders, do not underestimate the power of communication. So, if you want to ensure success with the team you lead seek to constantly develop your communication skills to achieve your goals and accelerate the potential of your team.
