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Recognizing The Power Of Your Voice:
Owning Accountability For Your Connections
In a recent coaching session, a seasoned senior vice -president, expressed the following: "I'm frustrated with the team... and disappointed by the reactions coming from my directs...I believe that I am consciously delivering clear, straightforward expectations with the right level of information to move this team into action and deliver great results. I have come to the realization that there is a real gap between what I am communicating regarding expectations and what others ultimately deliver. I have had to repeat messages often and regardless how many times you, it seems as if some members still are not getting it. What is wrong? Is it the team or me?" In response, we began by focusing on how and what this leader was communicating...and by increasing their awareness of their own accountability for effectiveness. Most leaders operate under the false assumption that what they say is what their team hears. We often believe that the amount of information or the way it is delivered was appropriate and sufficient, failing to recognize that people may interpret messages in different ways. Individuals need different levels of information, communication and engagement. Communication is the most powerful tool leaders have for unleashing the power within others- and our connection can either motivate or derail them. As leaders we need to carefully consider how we articulate our messages. We must be direct and clear to create resonance with others. Our words or the lack of them, will shape our team and organization's results and will determine how others will react. The most effective barometer to measure our communication effectiveness is by the way others respond to our message. Our words will either move individuals forward or impede our team's progress. A leader who communicates and takes 100% accountability for their message owns his or her role in inspiring positive actions. Information and data enables other to operate within their job. Communication is how you energize people to move them into action and deliver extraordinary results. People need two things from leaders: clear, specific, transparent direction and positive inspiration. Owning 100% Accountability Consider adapting a 100% accountability communication model, which is, by far, the more effective and powerful in creating results. Being 100% accountable for the effectiveness of our communication means making a personal choice to address the challenges which will surface. When we accept 100% accountability for our interactions, we take responsibility for the full impact that our actions and words have on our business results. Tips for Increasing Your Communication Effectiveness: - Recognize the need for Inspiring others by incorporating positive phrases within your delivery. Positive inspiration helps you reaffirm your connection with others and creates commitment.. Here are some examples:
"We have quality issues that must be addressed quickly" Add: " I am confident we can do this." "We are facing a number of challenges this next year." Add: "I am happy to have you each of you on this team. We will need everyone's creative thinking and positive energy." "Here is the document. Read it and let's talk" Add: "I am interested in hearing your thoughts before we determine our recommendation." - Make sure to communicate even when you may think that it is not necessary. When we miss opportunities and fail to keep the team fully engaged, people will 'fill in the blanks' and make their own assumptions. These gaps create confusion and anxiety.
- Provide enough context. Give people the 'how' and the 'why' and use positive words that will energize and inspire them. Don't assume that people only need to know about 'what they are personally involved with'... they need to see the bigger picture and how their individual parts affect the results.
- Devote enough attention to crafting the message. Before you communicate, ask yourself: What message do I want to send? How do I want people to feel? What context do I need to provide? After answering these questions, choose your words, pay attention to your tone and then deliver the message.
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