subject: Leaders Do Not Forsake the Ability to Communicate!!! [print this page] Do not forsake the ability to communicateDo not forsake the ability to communicate. It will work wonders for you in church organizations, educational academies, and the workplace. Communication is essential for leadership, teaching, building relationships and so forth. Think of the people that you enjoy spending time with the most, whether it be direct interaction, talking on the phone, listening to on the radio, or watching on television. They usually catch our attention because of their ability to connect with us. Have you ever really thought about why we lend our ears so easily to these particular people? Sure, in general it registers with us that they're good conversationalists, but let's dig deeper. By the end of this article we should have a better understanding of how great communication is so effectively useful to the leaders we follow.
When we earnestly dialogue with a person there should be a mutual understanding and respect for what comes out. In our conversations, we should always look to listen and learn more about the person we're communicating with. Many things can come up in these types of conversations, like a person's goals, who they know, what business they're in, family status, and even the personal opinions and beliefs they hold so close to heart. Do not shy away from dogmatic type conversations for the fear of offending, overstep the popular belief that these talks are inappropriate in the profession setting. Personally what I've discovered about this type of discourse, even though you may find yourself disagreeing with others, the enjoyment of deep stimulating conversation will be appreciated because they don't come that often. Just stay respectful! If you ignore this rule of conversation you will forever be resented. Digressing on this topic a little further, the deep opinionated conversations can be used to reveal true motives. Typically, the one's who agree with everything we say, are the one's looking to get something from us. Watch out for the vultures!
Nevertheless, lets get back on the subject of communication as a virtue. What we should look for in dialogue is a means to connect with people. I must reiterate the importance of listening, because it is constantly working for us, in two ways. First, it caters to the human need of attention, which is something that all of us value. Even more important is the opportunity we have to find ways to relate to other people. When we find that commonality we're able to use it to connect with them. Connection with a person is important because once it's established they're more likely to be in favor of you.
Communication leads to connection. This is something that leaders understand. We can take lessons from former president Theodore Roosevelt, who had an uncanny ability to connect with people. It didn't matter whether it was a New York politician or Rough Rider. He knew what to say and how to say it. He attributed this gift to having a diverse range of knowledge. Roosevelt said in an interview once that whenever he was expecting a guest, he would spend the night prior studying a subject he knew that his guest was particularly interested in. For Roosevelt knew, as leaders know, that the road to someone's heart is through the things that they treasure.
It is imperative for those who have aspirations to become leaders to understanding that the way there is through the help and understanding from others. This will only come once a connection has been made. The easy way to become a better conversationalist is to know something about as many different topics as you possibly can. Broaden your knowledge base. Additionally, study mass communication. There are many books and classes available on writing and public speaking. The more you engage in these activities the more comfortable you'll be with them.
This week was more on interpersonal. Next week we'll examine more along the lines of mass communication. If you have any questions or comments feel free to share them with me. arolling@nuprenu.com
Leaders Do Not Forsake the Ability to Communicate!!!
