THE COMMUNICATING LEADER:

[Jo Silvey]

Have you ever experienced miscommunication? Misheard someone or been misheard yourself? The ability to impart and receive information accurately is critical for any leader.
You can possess a great vision, massive amounts of wisdom and knowledge, and sterling character, but if you can't impart those things to those you lead, you may as well be on a deserted island. One of the most important skills of a leader---the ability to communicate well is the way we speak and communicate to others.

Whether you consider yourself quiet and shy, a total chatterbox, or somewhere in between, you are a communicator. We all are. And we're always communicating something, whether or not we're trying to. Communication might be the most important skill for a leader to develop, and like every other skill it takes lots of intentional practice to do it well.

It's about the relationship! For leaders to communicate in relationship means they never forget the person they are talking to. Talking to others becomes less about transmitting information and more about sharing it with other human beings. It means considering how another person may be changed or affected by what you are communicating to him. It means taking the risk to be honest and open in your communication, revealing your true self. Communicating in relationship means speaking to others in a way that demonstrates that they are known.

Even with people you don't know personally, it's possible to communicate in a relational way. Have you ever experienced the checkout person at the mall who rings up your purchases, takes your money, and tells you to have a nice day while never bothering to look at you? Being fully present with people---looking them in the eye, listening to their answers to your questions, responding appropriately---reflcts character. Every person a leader communicates with is worthy of that leader being sacrificially and fully present with him.

When you communicate with others, are you often more interested in hearing yourself talk than connecting in relationship to those your're talking with?

How present are you in your face-to-face conversations?

Do you often "check out" when you are talking to others?

Living with excellence,
Jo Silvey

[Gina Mahon]

Wonderful, Jo! you are right, being a good leader is about being relational. That is why people willingly follow.
Thanks for your wisdom.