When we studied what managers most wanted to know about leadership, we discovered their top-three interests were: improving motivation, strengthening relationships,
and becoming better communicators. This month I’d like to tackle communication.
Early in my career, I was an announcer at a couple of radio stations. One boasted 5,000
watts of transmitting power on one of the better AM frequencies (signals on the
lower part of the band travel farther which amplifies their strength), while
the second station broadcast with just a 1,000 watts on a much less desirable,
and weaker part of the radio dial.
Ultimately, there was a huge difference in the amount of area those two stations covered.
Coverage is good, but the truth is radio stations aren’t rated on the strength of their
signals, they’re measured by the size of their audiences. The issue is effective
programming – how well they do in attracting listeners.
The same principle applies at work.
Sheer volume – just sending or responding to tons of email, voice mail, or dominating discussions – isn’t the answer to improved communications (if it was, most organizations and their most prolific “Messagers” would be rated outstanding).
I’d like to suggest the secret to improved communications is found in last month’s topic
– relationships. As you improve your relationships at work, you’ll improve your ability to communicate. Let me explain.
Just like a good broadcaster, your job is to attract an audience … and grow your
number of listeners.
It begins with their perception of you as a person. The first thing people consider is the “source.” The speaker is judged as much, or more than, what he or she has to say.
Developing relationships to the extent where others feel they know you, they know what you stand for, they believe in your sincerity, integrity and motivations, they see you’re interested in them, and positively inclined toward them, will promote understanding and acceptance of your message. If on the other hand they have disagreements with you, mistrust you, or simply dislike you … they’ll hear what you say in a negative light, or simply tune you out.
Communication is seldom a matter of having the sharpest argument or the most eloquent words to convince others, but rather opening up a trusted connection between people.
Program yourself to build relationships, by working on these skills:
Passion – share your passion for work that you do, the benefits it brings to others, and most importantly, for the workers that do it. Show that you are committed to them, and to their success.
Listening – put aside distractions, and center your focus on individuals. Interact in a positive, win-win way.
Encouragement – invite their participation by creating a welcoming environment, acknowledging their ideas, contributions, and effort.
This puts communication squarely in the field of relationships, where “communicating
your heart” is the hallmark of an excellent communicator.
– Jerry Strom
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*‘The High Points Survey: What Managers Most Want to Know about Leadership,’ copyright 2012, by Jerry Strom & Company, Inc. Download the White Paper at: http://www.jerrystrom.com/js_high-points.html