“The art of communication is the language of leadership.”
Whole books have been dedicated to effective communication, and many of these focus on how leaders communicate. It has been argued that the ability to communicate effectively is the single most important skill for becoming a leader, and then executing the role effectively. A leader expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively. The messages can be complex or simple, depending on the subject, the audience, and the purpose of the communication.
Writing is important but speaking to groups can be even more important. Successful leaders make clear and convincing oral presentations. Further, they tune in to the audience—no matter how large or small—listening to others, noticing nonverbal cues, and responding appropriately. These fundamental skills are the stock and trade of effective leaders. As a leader, you can measure your effectiveness in this area in many ways. One possibility is to ask yourself this: Did I get my point across on the most important issue I dealt with today? Yes or no?
The title of Karen Friedman’s latest book isn’t exactly subtle. Shut Up And Say Something: Business Communication Strategies to Overcome Challenges and Influence Listeners lays out her no-nonsense philosophy about how to best get your point across, drawn from her 37 years of experience as a professional communicator.
Read MoreWhether you want to have better conversations in your social life or get your ideas across better at work, here are some essential tips for learning to to communicate more effectively.
Read MoreIt's no secret that good leaders are also good communicators. And the best leaders have learned that effective communication is as much about authenticity as the words they speak and write.
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