If you really want to be a better leader, there is one thing that you need to focus your energy on improving. To be the best boss, you need to be an excellent communicator. When you improve your ability to communicate with others at any level, you’ll begin to put the right pieces in order to advance your career by way of leadership.
Use the following tips to improve your communication skills for the future.
Be a better listener.
Most people don’t realize it, but the true key to strong communications skills is improving your ability to listen. People often only listen long enough to formulate a response, which can be a problem when the other person doesn’t feel that they’ve been heard. Learn to listen completely and actively.
Never hijack a conversation.
It is also human nature to sometimes make an entire conversation revolve around yourself. Hijacking a conversation can quickly sidetrack the issue and make the other person feel like their thoughts are not important to you. Let the speaker complete all their thoughts and stay on topic. Only ask relevant questions.
Use mirroring techniques.
Active listening is most successful when you are able to mirror the speaker. You can model their body language back to them. This will communicate to them that you are listening, even subconsciously. If they lean forward, lean forward. If they sit back, sit back. This demonstrates that you’re listening attentively.
Don’t react immediately.
Whatever you do, don’t try to have all the answers while you’re in the middle of the conversation. At best, this might result in irrelevant advice. At worst, you may react poorly and inappropriately. Instead, make sure you’ve understood all the most important points by repeating them back and asking questions. Then offer to think over the situation and get back with them.
Use these skills in writing.
A good leader doesn’t just use these tactics in face-to-face conversations. They also apply good listening skills to written communications. Often, subtly is lost when it comes to emails or texts, so make sure that you are able to discern meaning in an email. Don’t automatically assume tone, but be thoughtful in your response. Assume the best, not the worst. And think before you hit send.
A good leader doesn’t just use these tactics in face-to-face conversations. They also apply good listening skills to written communications. Often, subtly is lost when it comes to emails or texts, so make sure that you are able to discern meaning in an email. Don’t automatically assume tone, but be thoughtful in your response. Assume the best, not the worst. And think before you hit send.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Contact Harvard Resource Solutions, now hiring for jobs in Detroit MI, to see how we can help you find a leadership position for your next opportunity.