Leadership Skill: Communication

A leader who cannot communicate clearly, powerfully, and succinctly barely qualifies as a leader. The best ideas are useless if not communicated in a compelling way.

Because of electronic communication, face to face communication has taken on added importance and impact.

Today's smart leaders complement "high tech" communication approches with "low tech", face to face contact to preserve the personal power of communication.

So remember the following leadership skill communication points:

To motivate others to reach your goal, you must constantly communicate your message.
Use a variety of communication methods. don't neglect the power of face to face communication; it's a time honored method often missing in today's barrage of impersonal electronic messages.
Effective leaders are equally comfortable communicating to individuals, small groups, and large gatherings, customizing their approaches for each audience.
Repetition is an improtant tool, but use varying words and media so your message doesn't become stale.
Share information; people will probably find out anyway, but from less desirable source.
Use language, images, and metaphors that hit your audience at "gut level."
Listen carefully to people and show them you've heard them by responding verbally or taking action.
Acknowledge bad news and thank those "phophets" who have had the courage to deliver it to you.
You do not have to be naturally gifted speaker. Communication skills can be learned.

To continue, click here: Leadership Skill: Performance Management