As a leader, the way you communicate has a ripple effect. Whether it's with your team, your peers, or upper management, the way you use words shapes how you are perceived—and ultimately how effective you are in your role. Think of communication as the glue between you and the people who you rely on and who rely on you. If that glue is weak or opaque, everything from your team’s morale to your credibility with upper management can come apart.
You may have experienced a leader who speaks in vague terms, giving unclear direction. What was the result? Usually, it’s confusion, frustration, and an erosion of trust. On the flip side, a leader who communicates accurately and gives clear direction fosters an environment of harmony, ease and trust.
When your team knows what’s expected, your peers see you as a reliable collaborator, and upper management views you as a leader who gets results, there is very little you can’t accomplish.
Here’s how the way you communicate can impact how you’re perceived by the different stakeholders in your world:
By your team: If your team feels unsure of what you want, they may hesitate or underperform.
Clear communication fosters trust and productivity.
By your peers: Clear, targeted communication builds credibility. The more specific you are, the more your peers will see you as someone who gets things done.
By upper management: Clear, persuasive communication can help you to stand out. If you convey your ideas clearly and persuasively, leadership will view you as someone they can count on to get the job done.
In my coaching, I work with leaders to refine their communication so that every interaction—whether with their team, peers, or upper management—is an opportunity to reinforce their leadership, influence, and credibility.
Do you have a story of a leader whose communication style shaped the way they were perceived, either for better or for worse?
Want to ensure the way you communicate boosts your credibility with your team, peers, and upper management? Let’s set up a discovery call to discuss how you can improve your leadership communication skills.
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