Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms, former Mayor of Atlanta, spoke with Ramon Ray, publisher of ZoneofGenius.com about how and why leaders must be great communicators. Ramon interviewed Mayor Lance-Bottoms at the Traffic, Sales and Profit event, produced by Lamar and Ronnie Tyler. Watch the video here.
As entrepreneurs, leaders, and business owners, there are a plethora of key skills that we must develop and honed in order to be successful. However, perhaps one of the most important skills that a leader must possess is that of effective communication. When a leader communicates effectively, they are able to inspire, motivate, and direct their team in a way that fosters growth, success, and innovation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why leaders must be great communicators, and how you can develop this important skill.
We can agree to disagree
Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms
Agree to Disagree
One of the most important aspects of great communication is the ability to agree to disagree. In a business setting, there may be times when team members or colleagues have differing opinions or ideas about a particular issue. As a leader, it is important to respect these differences and foster an environment where differing opinions can be openly discussed and debated. By doing so, you can come to a consensus and make better decisions that are based on a variety of perspectives and ideas.
Don’t Leave a Communication Void
Another important aspect of great communication is the ability to avoid leaving communication voids. As a leader, it is your responsibility to ensure that your team members are aware of your expectations, goals, and objectives. When expectations are not clearly communicated, misunderstandings can occur, leading to mistakes, missed deadlines, and a lack of productivity. By communicating clearly and consistently, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your team is working towards the same goals.
Don’t leave a communication void. Leaders should explain themselves.
Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms
Leaders Should Explain Their Decisions
When leaders make decisions, it is important to communicate the reasoning behind those decisions. By explaining your thought process and the rationale behind your decisions, you can help team members understand why certain decisions were made. This can foster trust, build relationships, and create a stronger sense of teamwork. When team members understand the “why” behind decisions, they are more likely to be invested in the outcomes and take ownership of their responsibilities.
Active Listening is Key
Effective communication is a two-way street, and active listening is key. As a leader, it is important to listen to feedback, ideas, and concerns shared by your team members. When you actively listen, you communicate that you respect and value their perspective, which can foster trust and collaboration. Additionally, active listening can help you better understand the needs of your team members, which can help you make more informed decisions and build stronger relationships.
Communication is a Continuous Process
Finally, it is important to remember that communication is a continuous process. As you grow and evolve as a leader, your communication style and strategies may need to adapt and change as well. By actively seeking feedback and engaging in ongoing communication with your team members, you can identify areas for improvement and continue to grow and develop as a leader.
Effective communication is an essential skill for any leader, entrepreneur, or business owner. By developing strong communication skills, you can inspire, motivate, and direct your team towards success. Remember to communicate clearly and consistently, actively listen to feedback, and foster an environment where differing opinions can be openly discussed. By doing so, you can build strong relationships, foster trust, and achieve your goals as a team.
