THE art of communication is one main ingredient that should constantly be learnt or be kept under check by every leader.
Communication should be a healthy channel of exchanging ideas, expertise and experiences. If that channel gets clogged, that’s when “communication breakdown” creeps in. This has three obvious consequences (there could be more):
- Creates tension between the leader and the follower.
- Breeds fear; the follower could resort to self-censorship when contributing ideas at a work environment in fear of the “Boss”.
- The leader could use too much authority over the subordinates to cover up for his shortcomings.
Most labour related issues at work are communication-based problems between the leader and the follower. Followers at times fail the leader merely because the leader, in the first place, had not or does not communicate the model or vision effectively.
As I sparked this debate, one of the avid followers of this column, Sakhile Mpofu says, “At times leaders feel their position gives them the right to say whatever, whenever and however. Employees have been conditioned to swallow whatever gets thrown at them”.
Allan Dubon, who happens to be an author, speaker and online media consultant in Utah, US says those people who mistreat followers “. . . are not leaders. They are insecure people with titles. A true leader needs no title, and shows respect to those that look up to them”.
A great leader is the one who learns the skill of communication. We only learn that some people are great fools or their level of proficiency from what is spewed from their mouths.
What you speak matters. As a leader, learn to speak things that are:
- Pleasant Good words evoke a good response. Hash words invite a hash response. In most instances the responses we get emanate from how we frame our words. At times the people we lead might have had an unpleasant past and as a leader your role is not to aggravate that but bring healing through words.
- Pure Truth at any level makes people to trust you. Learn to keep your tongue pure by speaking the truth as a leader. Speaking lies could result in distrust, disrespect and eventually your downfall especially when your cover is blown.
- Precious A leader has to speak valuable things. Your words should reflect your worth, persona and purpose. Even if you are speaking to a person of lower grade than you are, speak words of worth, encouragement, and success into their life.
- Profitable Words have power. Words can evoke an emotion that could lead to a downturn or profit in an organisation. Speak words that benefit your organisation and the people that you lead. Through words we learn so much. Problems and poverty can pervert the pattern of our mind. Learn to speak what you want to have and what you want to achieve in life. Make daily affirmations with your mouth about who you really want to be. Learn not to speak about your acrimonious situations. Train your tongue to talk at kingly level.
- Professional Some male leaders have themselves to blame especially from female followers for the disrespect that they receive. They speak disparaging and demeaning words to their female counterparts and expect to be respected as a leader. Leaders need to stick to their bounds of professionalism.
Parting Point: Joel Osteen, in his book; I Declare says: “When you speak the blessing over your spouse, over your children, over your students, or anyone in your life, you are not just using nice words.
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“Those words carry God’s supernatural power. They release favour, ability, confidence, and God’s goodness in extraordinary ways”. Jonah Nyoni is an author, success coach and motivational speaker.
Tel: 0772 581 918. Email: [email protected] Web: www.jonahnyoni.wordpress.com
