When it comes to business leadership, communication is key. Awareness of how you communicate with your team, and people in general, sets the tone for your business relationships and can be the difference between success and failure.
Entrepreneurs who are conscious of their communication style and how it affects those around them are more likely to be successful in business. For example, some people prefer direct, concise communication, while others may prefer a more roundabout approach. By taking the time to understand the communication preferences of your team, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips to help improve your communication skills:
– Be clear and concise in your instructions. Your team should understand your vision and what you expect from them. Often, people are rushed so they communicate in a hurry or on autopilot. Take a deep breathe, and a moment, and reread what you wrote—more than once if you need to before hitting send.
– Be open to feedback. Listening to others will help you learn and grow as a leader. And notice by the questions someone asks in a response if you have done a good job communicating or not. If not, apologize, it eases the conversation. No one is perfect and they will respect you much more for taking ownership if the communication wasn’t clear.
– Be aware of your tone. The way you say things is just as important as the words you use. I see this as an opportunity on a regular basis. Are you communicating to 1099’s? or volunteers? No one wants to be treated like a “minion,” so be mindful and appreciative!
– Be positive and encourage others. A positive attitude is contagious and will help inspire and motivate your team to do their best work. Do you say thank you at the end of an email? or are you using “Regards” or just signing your name? People recognize lack of appreciation so a little sugar will go a long way!
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to better communication, relationships, business leadership and success!
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