Thoughts – 2008
21st Century Skill - Highlight 2
Communication and Connection Skills - Listen to the Thought Pod
“The problem with communication is the illusion that it has occurred.” George Bernard Shaw
How skillful a Leader communicates is a major factor of credibility. You must consistently communicate well one-on-one and in group settings. Make a meaningful connection between your authenticity as a Leader, your message, and your audience and you have credibility.
I’m continually amazed by a simple fact about connection. The mere fact that you stand before a group makes you - in their eyes - the expert. It’s what you do after that which determines whether you get to keep that honor.
As Leaders, it is imperative that our communication is consistent and credible. We must be able to consistently create safety for dialogue and confidently confront issues.
Consistency is a process and credibility is an outcome of the process. Transparency is a powerful tool in the process of being consistent. A transparent approach to all your communications builds trust. An environment of trust, layered with your skilled, confident openness, assures safety for those you lead.
You approach performance management and succession management as key areas for consistent communication. Demonstrate a commitment to leadership sustainability in the organization through consistent communication about the individual’s development journey.
Succession is not a sophisticated looking software package that lines up a series of names. Succession management is an ongoing conversation. Performance management is an open system of communication in support of individual performance and organizational impact.
Be confident. Be consistent. Be clear.