As a leader, there is always room for growth; one of which is the continued refinement of our communication skills.
Peter F. Drucker commented that more than 60% of all management problems result from a breakdown in communication. In addition, a study by the Rockefeller Foundation found that 68% of the customers who quit buying from their regular suppliers do so because employees fail to communicate effectively. Efficiency experts claim that at least 40% of the average worker’s time is spent doing tasks that are either unnecessary or have to be done over because they were not done according to instructions.
Some of the best ways to empower our people to move towards a unified goal are to:
- Communicate the vision clearly and often; assess whether it has been understood
- Recognize that the listener must have both the ability and the passion to follow through on the tasks assigned
- Remember that listening is just as important, if not more so, than talking; communication takes two
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Are the vision and purpose of the business clear to you?
- Have these been conveyed with clarity to the team so they understand the vision and purpose and how it relates to them?
- How well do you know your team and their abilities, as well as what motivates them?
- Are you “living” your mission statement or is it just collecting dust in your business plan?
The good news is, we are all evolving so don’t be afraid to practice. Whether an individual, a department, a corporation, or a community, great things will come when communicating with insight!
Paula Morand is a dedicated wife, mother and lover of life. She is the Founder and CEO of JumpStart 720, an award winning leadership coaching company that is committed to powering life by engaging individuals, companies and communities to more intentional living. For more information: www.jumpstart720.com
