In a business arena, the key to transmitting information effectively lies in recognizing the target audience. In his book, Management Communication, Donald Baack (2012) contends that in addition to identifying the receiver, the communicator must also comprehend and implement the correct protocol in addressing each staff member whether of elite status or in a supporting role. In other words, transmitting messages may require a conscious effort to engage in a different level of communication to those in upper management, than the casual rapport that is commonly expected among peers and entry level staff members (Baack, 2012). This means that one effective leadership skill top performers put their focus on, is their ability to include effective communication by developing a great degree of self-awareness.
It is this level of awareness that can play a big role in how managers can communicate and respond within a work environment. In my ebook, Breaching Communication Barriers (2014), I shared my personal experiences at Capitol Records with respect to transmitting messages within the hierarchy of that corporate structure. Because it was an arena where many of the music industry’s biggest superstars converged for various reasons, behavior that was inappropriate could result in permanent termination. In addition, when communication breaks down in the workplace, the environment can quickly become hostile and toxic. An employee that feels they have been treated unfairly, for instance, can tear down a company’s good reputation. A breakdown in communication between staff can also create irreparable damage if not handled properly.
Managers that are effective leaders, possess high levels of communication skills. They use their skills as a tool to help get corporate teams enthusiastic and excited about their goals. In other words, top communicators achieve successful outcomes because they consciously transmit messages that: (a) help staff members feel confident about themselves, (b) allow employees to embrace who they are, and (c) focus on staff members’ strengths and talents by commending them for the hard work and effort they bring to the workplace, but also finding ways to help them address their weaknesses without breaking their spirits. To briefly sum up, strong leaders with good communication skills, transmit messages to employees (that are also supported by their actions), that they not only acknowledge and value their staff members, but that they understand their needs and actively look for ways to help their employees with their weaknesses, and in doing so, managers are in a better position to assist them, by working through those obstacles with dignity and grace.
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Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true. – Charles Dickens
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References:
Berry, M. A. (2013). Breaching Communication Barriers (Vol. 2). (C. Angela, Ed.) USA: Kindle Direct Publishing.
Coulter, M. (2010). Strategic management in action (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
