50% of employees report not getting enough feedback from their boss – 50% report getting too much!
Great leaders tell great stories
With all the modern communication options of instant messaging, social media, HTML email, video conferencing and elaborate PowerPoint presentations - it is still surprising that many leaders continue to be criticisied for poor communication skills.
If your organisation has ever received negative anecdotal feedback or less than impressive results in a cultural survey about the quality of communication coming from the top – be comforted – you are not alone!
In fact, defunct communication between employees and managers is often one of major catalysts for employee disengagement. And, as Dr Adam Fraser reports:
“Surveys tell us that on average 55% of employees have no enthusiasm for their jobs and 18% are so disengaged that it is better for the organisation to have them stay at home.”
A critical role of a good leader is to be able to communicate effectively. For managers 30 years ago, system and processes was the key to success, now for contemporary leaders, relationships and communication are king. Your success or failure as a leader will often be dependant on your communication skills.
"Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can't get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn't even matter."
Gilbert Amelio - CEO of National Semiconductor Corp
So what do leaders need to do to improve their communication?
1. Have the
courage to keep it simple –
Click here to read an article on how leaders can market themselves and their stories more effectively (Pg 38)
2. Share the
“Why” not the “What” –
Click here to see Simon Sinek share stories from the Apple Experience
3. Become a GREAT story-teller and a brilliant communicator.
Click here to hear a podcast about Proteus’ Presentation Skills Master Class.
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