By
Jan Hoistad, Ph.D. and Associates
Conscious
leaders are aware of their wide-ranging influence
as role models. They know they are a source of guidance
in behavior, values, and interaction in the workplace.
They set the standard. They verbally, and non-verbally,
impart the values and culture of a group or organization
through words, and through every action. They have
a "ripple effect" on everyone around them - setting
the tone and illuminating the way for co-leaders,
employees, customers, and associates. How a leader
communicates establishes expectations for communication
at all levels of a working environment.
Good
leaders are good communicators. We all lead in many ways, no matter
our job title. We all communicate everyday, often all day long.
When
you have had an interaction with a truly good communicator, you come
away feeling heard or listened to - like your points got across, and
if there was any misunderstandings, they were clarified right away,
as though you were working together to arrive at a conclusion or better
understanding of the issues being discussed. There is no residual
confusion or "craziness" - no thinking, "Now what was that
all about?!?!" There is a sense of resolution and clarity. This level
of the communication is about the issues or information.
On the
interpersonal level of the interaction with a good communicator
you come away feeling good about yourself, even if the information
or issues were tough. You may even feel empowered. You definitely
would never feel shamed or condescended to in the interaction. There
is a sense of trusting what the other person has said because all
verbal, behavioral and emotional, or nonverbal cues are aligned. There
is no confusion in the signals to leave you not knowing or feeling
anxious about what the underlying intentions or motivations might
be, or what is expected of you.
When
you stop to think about it, interactions with a good communicator
usually include good eye contact, emotional warmth, some level of
concern about you as an individual - even if unspoken. You don't feel
treated like a robot or a "role", you come away feeling respected
as an individual.
Good
communicators often appear to do this naturally - as if they may have
been born with these skills. However, integrating good communication
on both 1) informational and 2) interpersonal levels usually takes
lots of awareness, practice and a handful of skills - awareness and
skills that can be learned and improved upon over time!!
The
image of a beacon may help you remember a few basic
communication concepts and tools every leader can
master if they are to illuminate the way for others.
I hope you and your team, family, and friends find
them useful remembers, especially in these times.
