September 2010
Leaders Must be Communicators
Leaders simply must be able to communicate with others—their followers,
co-workers and those in authority over them.
If you can’t communicate, don’t try to lead.
Five areas of communication are important.
Listening.
Fifteen years ago I wrote a book on listening that is still used widely
around the Air Force. A decade ago I wrote three columns about listening
(August 2000, November 2000 and July 2001). In 2003 I wrote a second
book on the subject—one that has been used by a number of leadership
trainers and in many universities. The more I study leadership the more
I am convinced of this fact:
Leaders must be Listeners.
Speaking.
While not all successful leaders are accomplished public speakers, most
of them can express ideas effectively both in front of an audience and
in a small group. In December 2001 I said a leader only has to know
three things: where to go, how to get there, and how to get people to
follow. While the first two can be done by written communication,
leaders must be able to speak effectively if they want others to follow.
Speaking ability correlates with leadership ability.
Nonverbal.
Others gain much meaning by watching leaders’ actions and listening to
how they say things. The old axiom is true: Our actions speak so loudly
that others often can’t hear what we say. Leaders must attend to
nonverbal communication.
Nonverbal behavior often carries more meaning than verbal
behavior.
Reading.
Leaders must continue to learn. Yes, leaders learn by watching and
doing, but they also learn by reading. Reading books, newspapers,
magazines, and various things online helps leaders stay informed.
Information yields knowledge and knowledge is power.
Leaders must be readers.
Writing.
Fifty
years I did not write well, but I realized its importance; so, I sought
help. I asked skilled writers proofread and correct my mistakes—and I
listened carefully as they explained the corrections they made. Writing
effectively helped me think more clearly and in turn, helped me be a
better leader.
Clear writing reflects clear thinking.
We
will examine each of these communication skills in future columns.
