Effective Communication for Leaders

People in organizations typically spend over 75% of their time in an interpersonal situation. It’s not surprising that at the root of a large number of organizational problems is poor communications. Effective communications is an essential component of organizational success, whether it is at the interpersonal, organizational, or external level.

A major source of problems in communication is defensiveness. Effective communicators are aware that defensiveness is a typical response in a work situation, especially when negative information or criticism is involved. Be aware that defensiveness is common, particularly with subordinates when you are dealing with a problem. Try to make adjustments to compensate for the likely defensiveness. When people feel threatened they will instinctively protect themselves. This is natural. Defensiveness can take the form of aggression, anger, competitiveness, and avoidance among other responses. A skillful listener is aware of the potential for defensiveness and makes needed adjustments. He or she is aware that self-protection is necessary and avoids making the other person spend energy defending them.

Tips for Successful Communication:

• Focus the discussion on the information needed
• Use open-ended questions to expand the discussion to prompt for specific
• Encourage dialogue through eye contact and expression
• State you understanding of what you are hearing
• Summarize the key points of the conversation

By taking the approach of peeling back the onion, where you ask a series of questions which offers another layer of perspective to the situation you empower managers and employees to recognize alternatives, goals, and outcomes in their decision making process.