How to...communicate like a leader
No filler words, nonsense jargon or apologetic phrases allowed!
“This may be a stupid question, but…”
If you a) cringe inwardly when you hear this phrase AND b) also know that you are guilty of using it, then you’re in the right place for today’s newsletter!
I spent more than 20 years as a corporate communications specialist before retraining as a leadership coach and ironically, I could have done with some guidance and advice on communications myself!
Don’t get me wrong, I was very good at my job, but there’s Communications and communication, and it’s the one with the little “c” that we’re focused on today.
Knowing how to communicate effectively is one of the things that marks you out as a leader to watch in the workplace. It can take you from “competent” (but often overlooked), to confident as a leader, knowing your value and ready to take your seat at the table. I should know, I struggled with this myself, and spent time studying, learning and applying the principles of great communication as a Director in the corporate world.
Learning to communicate clearly, effectively and with empathy, makes you a better leader.
Have you ever wondered what great leaders have in common? Good ideas, sure. Charisma, yes. Unshakeable purpose, absolutely. But here’s the vital thing that connects them:
They are all powerful communicators. They know how to use language to persuade, convince, advocate, challenge, negotiate, empathise and understand. They understand that clear communication is an enabler to good decision making, effective teams and leading change.
Do you have these leaders in your workplace? I bet they’re not only effective in their role, but that they’re also thriving. Whenever I feel as if I am truly understood - with my words and my actions - then i’m a lot happier in any situation, whether it be a work context or at home.
Conversely, when I’m struggling with communication and being understood (and listened to), that really affects my morale and my motivation.
So if communication is such an important part of our working lives and leadership journey, why do we struggle with it so much? This is something I think about all the time as a leadership coach.
Based on my experience, i’ve identified five key lessons in communication that we can all learn and use, whatever the situation.
Keep scrolling for today’s coaching advice - after the jump for paid subscribers.
But first…
The Confident Leader coaching programme starts in just over a week - are you in?
But before we get to the advice, a reminder that doors to the pilot of The Confident Leader coaching programme close very soon - we start on June 18th! As a pilot, you’ll be able to access transformational group coaching from me at a reduced rate of £399.00. So if you’re tired of feeling overlooked and overwhelmed at work, and you want to make a change before the end of the year, then sign up below:
Join The Confident Leader pilot programme now
Ok, here are today’s coaching prompts - my favourite tip is no 5!
5 ways to be a more effective and confident communicator at work
Stop hedging, apologising and caveating:
Think about these phrases - “not sure if this is right, but…” “I could be wrong, but what about…” “this may be an obvious thing to say but…” “sorry to bring this up but…”
Do you recognise them? These are often the types of phrases many people (but disproportionately women) use at work, when they have something to say, something to offer, and don’t want to come across as too assertive, for fear of being labelled pushy or aggressive. But the problem is, whenever we use them, we aren't being clear or intentional about what we mean to say and do. We may think it’s helping us navigate an “alpha” environment but all it actually does is undercut our purpose and our intentions. And it means we don’t get what we need, because we don’t say what we need.
Eliminate these phrases from your vocabulary today!