Tip #295: 6 Ways A Leader Can Improve Their Communication Skills

Communication Doesn't Just Happen, It Requires Effort.

Most people agree there is really no excuse for poor communication or communication lock up. There are so many methods of communication available to us, and almost all of them are used in the workplace - face-to-face, phone, voicemail, e-mail, virtual conferencing to even text messaging. But even with these resources, communication still needs to be consciously executed, and that starts at the top.

6 Ways A Leader Can Improve Their Communication Skills At The Office:

1. Start By Developing A Management-Down Culture - A "management-down" culture is exactly what it sounds like: One in which the highest level executives pass along information and ensure it is driven all the way down to the foundation.

2. Sharing Corporate Strategy And Vision - Larger sized businesses tend to find small cliques forming within the company. When this happens, information that ought to be disseminated throughout the company winds up staying localized. As a leader, you need to be aware if this happens and deal with it sooner versus later in order to ensure a smooth transmission of information.

3. Update Employees Frequently - There should be a set schedule for communicating corporate initiatives, expectations and results. It could be monthly, it could be quarterly - whatever you feel works best for your company. Keeping everyone in the loop generates a sense of appreciation, equal footing and fuels motivation.

4. Synchronize Goals - Depending on the size of your business, certain divisions or departments may operate autonomously. When this is the case, leaders must ensure division and department goals align with the corporate goals. Leaving a department unattended may result in their goals becoming incongruent to the company's.

5. Be Transparent About Financials - Whether the news is good or bad, financial information (sales data, customer data, capital equipment purchases, public information, etc.) needs to be shared with everyone. If financial news is broken outside of formal channels employees tend to grow disillusioned. Even if the news is good, it might seem like executives are intentionally withholding information, which breeds distrust.

6. Always Celebrate Internal And External Successes - Success comes in all shapes and sizes, and every instance of success ought to be celebrated. Maintaining a positive attitude throughout the company not only provides everyone a nice pick-me-up, but it also helps combat external forces that employees have no control over, like the economy.

Click here to read inc.com's list of tips to increase communication

Summary: Effective communication doesn't just happen for most leaders; it takes planning and a conscious effort. And like any skill, it requires practice through regular use. In most businesses, higher-ups need to lead by example. Once you start passing information down the ladder, others will follow suit. Do this, and you will find that it creates a work environment founded in honesty - honesty that is appreciated by everyone.