A Leaders Role in Communicating
Communication is a skill that every individual should work on growing. James C. Humes, author and presidential speechwriter, describes, “The art of communication is the language of leadership.” In any leadership, role communication is essential in developing relationships and carrying out various tasks. Communication is something you are never not doing and is a vital characteristic of any leader. Through communication, leaders inspire and motivate people to follow. At the same time, there are many definitions of leadership. Leadership can be anyone who inspires action and change. Great leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Jr., George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and numerous others, are prime examples of good communications.
Leaders communicate through various mediums, such as social media, personal interaction, mass communication, public speaking, etc. According to the Harvard Business School, there are 8 Essential Leadership Communication Skills:
Ability to Adapt Your Communication Style
Active Listening
Transparency
Clarity
Ability to Ask Open-Ended Questions
Empathy
Open Body Language
Receiving and Implementing Feedback
These communication skills are continually developing over time through intentional practice. As a public relations specialist, I find all eight communication skills to be essential. The ability to adapt communication styles across various mediums allows you to reach target audiences. Actively listening to your audience helps best serve the individuals you are trying to reach through your brand. Transparency and clarity build trust with the audience. Asking worthwhile questions keeps individuals active and involved. Empathy and body language help public relations specialists represent the brand and connect on a deeper level. Lastly, receiving and Implementing feedback is necessary for growing the brand you represent. Whether you are actively pursuing leadership or representing a brand, these communication skills will be essential in conveying your message as a changemaker.