Effective communication is key to leadership and earning the respect of others

Discussion in 'Education, Training & Promotion' started by Neil Enslin, Nov 26, 2012.

  1. Neil Enslin

    Neil Enslin Moderator

    Effective communication is key to leadership and earning the respect of others

    “Winston Churchill
    Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.â€

    Communication is at the foundation of getting the correct results in terms of what you want to achieve. If you are not being understood or the end result was not what you have asked for – you need to go back and determine if the communication process was done effectively. Irrespective of the form or purpose make sure your message is clear and that the recipient has interpreted your message as you intended.

    “Turkish Proverb
    If speaking is silver, then listenig is gold.â€

    • Active listening
    o Listen attentively.
    o Really hear what is being said and interpret it.
    o Confirm that you’ve understood correctly.
    o Give an appropriate response.

    “General Colin Powell
    The day soldiers stop bring you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them.â€

    • Briefing
    o Understand what needs to be done.
    o Be sure you know why.
    o Be clear about who must do it.
    o Be clear about how and when it should be done.
    o Confirm understanding.

    “Epictetus
    First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.â€

    • Motivating
    o Act confidently.
    o Believe passionately.
    o Inspire others.

    “Pythagoras
    Do not say a little in many words but a great deal in a few.â€

    • Encouraging
    o Be generous with your recognition of achievements and efforts.
    o Share knowledge.
    o Be an example of success and determination.
    o Help others to see failures as part of learning.

    “Carl W. Buechner
    They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.â€

    • Acknowledging successes
    o Praise effort and achievement.
    o Recognise talents and abilities.

    “Zig Ziglar
    Remember, what you say comes back to you.â€

    • Sharing ideas and giving feedback.
    o Encourage contributions from all
    o Discuss what makes the ideas good or bad – transparency
    o Ensure feedback is both positive and constructive

    “Mark Twain
    If you have nothing to say, say nothing.â€

    • Resolving problems and conflicts.
    o Try to find the root cause.
    o Be objective and tolerant.
    o Empathise – put yourself in the other person’s position.
    o Listen carefully – to what is and isn’t said.

    “Oliver Wendell Holmes
    Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.â€

    • Relieving tensions.
    o Remain calm.
    o Keep your sense of humour.
    o Don’t gossip and speculate – stick to the facts.

    “T. Boone Pickens
    Keep things informal. Talking is the natural way to do business. Writing is great for keeping records and putting down details, but talk generates ideas. Great things come from our luncheon meetings which consist of a sandwich, a cup of soup, and a good idea or two.â€

    • Negotiating
    o Listen first.
    o State your position
    o Remain calm and objective.
    o Find a win-win solution whenever possible.
    o Use tact and patience – address the issues and not the individuals.

    “Ernest Hemingway
    I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.â€

    Supplied by:


    Christel Fouché BA MBA(SHE)
    Managing Director


    Work: +27 (12) 809 4210
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