Communications – The Hallmark of Successful Leaders
Being a great leader has helped many people become successful in their chosen fields. Some individuals seem to have been born a leader, while others developed this skill over time.
One common trait shared between the “instant” leader and the “developed” leader is that they are able to”read” people. They know how to motivate people and how to make people want to follow them.
In addition, all great leaders are expert communicators. Since communication is an acquired skill, even a somewhat mediocre leader can learn how to become a well-respected leader if he or she learns how to effectively communicate with his or her followers, employees or associates.
One popular interpersonal communication definition says that interpersonal communication involves “one-on-one conversations or individuals interacting with many people within a society.”
If a leader lacks the ability to communicate with others then many problems will be left unresolved; facets of their business and projects that could otherwise become more profitable will stagnate; and areas that could be made to be more efficient and more productive will stay where they are or they will become even less efficient.
To be a successful leader it is imperative that an individual has the ability to effectively convey his or her thoughts and ideas to their followers, employees or associates. The leader must also be able to interpret the feedback he/she is getting. When effective communication-feedback loops are established the status of the leader will grow.
Another skill that effective leaders have is the ability to motivate people. Unless individuals are motivated, unless they have goals to look forward to, people tend to stagnate. A good leader will have defined goals and will then share them with the appropriate team members. The leader will also challenge them to do better in order to achieve their goals.
Effective leaders use interpersonal communication to inspire others. Successful leaders use their interpersonal communication skills to make their team feel better about their capabilities and about themselves. They make their team feel as if each one of them is special and important to the success of the team, that the individual actually makes a difference.
Leaders also make their team feel as if they themselves are also part of the group and that they aren’t sitting on some pedestal looking down on them. Successful leaders are always actively involved, at one level or another, in their teams’ activities.
If you’re currently a leader or aspire to be a leader, you must allocate part of every day to learning how to become better at interpersonal communication.
The place to start is acutely how you communicate with yourself. If your internal communication is not supportive, not specific and not encouraging, then how can you expect your external communication to inspire anyone?
Start to change your internal communications by picking up a copy of “Develop the Mental Strength of a Warrior” today
