Lesson 101: Guide for More Effective Communication for the Leaders

“The art of communication is the language of leadership”—James Humes.

Out of the numerous tasks and jobs that CEOs, executives, and leaders are responsible for—effective communication is the key to unlocking the lifeblood of business success and growth. There is numerous strong evidence to prove the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship for developing ventures. However, still, many of the startups fail to make it to the first five years of operation and business development.

From the ever-important challenge of acquiring huge funding and money to never-ending demand of providing the user with value, success in a business venture entails a long list of various considerations and factors. One of such crucial aspect is the factor of effective communication. Effective communication sets the right basis for a healthy work environment which ultimately leads to improved working efficiency, productivity and boosted morale.

Significance of effective communication:

Lack of effective communication is one of the most overlooked predicaments of the workers—yet the art of communication is still an unventured mystery in some workplaces. On the other hand, a great leader walks the thin line between practicality and sanguinity. Effective communication not only boosts the morale of the employees, but it also helps in restoring the lost motivation to work. A CEO has to demonstrate confidence in his employees regardless of how discouraging the situation might be.

If your workers are frequently faced with a lack of enthusiasm and assurance relating to the business growth, then that predicament might become a self-fulfilling prophecy. On the other hand, if the CEO won’t offer transparency, encounter challenges and communicate the company’s situation, then who will? But all that requires well-established skills for effective communication.

As per the reports and findings of the Irish PR Agency PR360, a staggering figure of 82% of employees state that regular and across the board communication from the chief executive is crucial for both morale and productivity. Failure to engage the employees and staff not only impacts productivity; rather, it also harms the company’s ability to transform and innovate. The job description of the CEO involves an array of priorities—from happy clients and satisfied investors to effective employee retention and a larger customer base. All these tasks and priorities are interrelated and connected with the single factor of effective communication. Knowing how to communicate effectively in the situation of a crisis is one of the greatest assets a CEO can have.  

The employees do not only value effective communication, but it also plays a vital role in employee retention. In a highly competitive market filled with thousands of opportunities, the rate of job switching is quite high. However, a proactive and confident leader a crucial factor that keeps employees away from jumping ships. All in all, a great CEO is distinguished by his ability to embrace empathetic behavior and open approach to communicate well and create a positive culture and productive workplace.

Communication Tips for CEOs to follow:

As the company continues to grow, the importance of effective communication increases with it. Effective communication follows a single rule of thumb which is to communicate efficiently think about your target audience, keep their needs and demands in your mind, put yourself in their position and then communicate what is necessary.

Employees appreciate transparency and respects any leader who is open to address his employees on pitfalls, shortcomings, challenges, and accomplishments. Effective communication revolves around the phenomenon of creating a perfect balance between hope and optimism. On the other hand, it also demands to overlook the negligible blunders and mistakes while keeping them motivated to be productive. It might seem like a simple job, but reality sees it as a highly complicated task. Here how you can improve your company’s performance with these tips and tricks:

1. Open meeting:

As stated in “The Cost of Poor Communication” by David Grossman approximately 400 companies with more than 100,000 employees experience average loss (per company) of $62.4 million per year because of ineffective communication between and to the employees. When it comes to communicating your views and opinions, arranging open meetings is the best way to succeed in that. Open meetings provide you with a forum to share your thoughts and ideas while allowing the leader to carry out tasks smoothly.

2. Go offline for one-on-one communications:

It is better to take people aside to help them understand better. However, when you take people aside for one-on-one communications, make sure to maintain eye contact while ensuring that they absorb the message. In other cases, if the details involve only one or two of the people form the meeting room, it is better to call them aside so that the rest of the people don’t yawn on those unwanted details.

3. Receptive atmosphere:

Receptiveness is the key to open communication. Make sure to reduce the tension and avoid putting extra pressure on your employees. Talking in a tensed tone and transferring pressure to your sub-ordinates only result in poor outcomes and the development of a bad image among your employees.

4. Demonstrate confidence and momentousness:

Intentionally, or unintentionally, the body language of the leader is more impactful than his spoken word. When it comes to speaking to your employees as a boss, make sure to keep your tone encouraging with a hint of seriousness that your polite demeanor is not to be taken for granted. Make sure that your posture and facial expression don’t communicate negativity or disapproval.

5. Pick the right communication tool:

When it comes to effective communication with your employees, a plethora of tools exist, but effective communication is all about the right use of it. Emails for official settings and assignments are still a potent way of communication. Video conferencing for remote employees adds a humanizing touch; phone calls might be underrated, but it is an effective way to schedule meetings.

In the end, a quick word of true appreciation with a well-timed and welcoming smile can go a long way in making your workforce feel respected and valued.