In order to communicate effectively, leaders need to be able to listen as often as they speak.
Communication may be one of the greatest challenges in business today. The convenience of technology causes people to assume that communication has become easier or simpler. This is a misconception. In order to communicate effectively, leaders need to be able to listen as often as they speak. This requires thinking before speaking, and interpreting what each professional interaction means. Some people are naturally gifted with understanding and the ability to communicate, and assessments can lead you to those people. Being social and being able to communicate effectively are different concepts.
A great leader:
- conveys messages easily
- listens carefully
- is concerned with understanding exactly what her coworkers are trying to say
This attention to detail is what separates the leaders from the rest of the group.
Motivating does not mean a simple pat on the back.
Leaders also need to be able to motivate. Employees greatly appreciate support from their leaders. Great leaders are cheerleaders, and they motivate their employees to be as successful as possible at all times. Motivating does not mean a simple pat on the back; it requires a substantial professional relationship and a mutual respect between leader and employee.
Motivating requires verbal and non-verbal communication in order to make an impact. When employees are assessed early on in their employment with the company, their leadership potential will become apparent sooner. Assessments will quantify a person’s natural tendencies, and will enable hiring managers to pinpoint exactly who would make an effective leader based on those behaviors.
This is Part 2 in our three part series about competent leadership. Review Part 1 and read ahead to Part 3 for the full article about what it takes to be an effective leader.
