Most of us are familiar with the adage that the most important elements of property are location, location, location (Safire, 2009). What are the most important elements for leadership that contribute to organizational success? I believe the three most important leadership activities are communication, communication, communication. You may have years of professional experience, with a variety of interesting projects on your resumé. What can help you stand out from your competitors? Highlight your effective communication skills to elevate you from the competition.
My research (Hartman, 2016) has shown that relationship management is one of the key skills needed for effective leadership. Successful relationships require good communication. The ability to manage relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, is critical to your success as a leader. The leader must be able to ensure all stakeholders understand the strategic goals and desired outcomes for the organizational activities. The more levels that a message must go through, the more important it is that the message is clear and consistent so that all the recipients can align their efforts in the same direction. A good leader ensures each part of the organization understands how their efforts contribute to the overall success.
Leaders must also communicate effectively with customers, to ensure the organization understands what the customer wants, and that the customer understands what the organization can deliver. Problems and challenges that come up during the process must be communicated quickly so that solutions can be developed and applied. How a leader communicates challenges determines whether the problems can be effectively resolved. Be prepared to discuss not only the problem, but also some possible solutions. Approaching difficult conversations this way helps participants to be more receptive to problem solving and facilitates more effective decision making. Leaders also keep their own superiors apprised of progress and challenges so that their superiors are not caught off guard.
We are all more inclined to support a project or activity if we are part of the decision making process and if we understand how our efforts contribute to the overall success. Effective communication enables greater organizational success.
-MAH
Hartman, M. (2016). Improving leadership readiness for the senior executive service:
A sequential mixed methods analysis of SES dyads (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). California Intercontinental University, Irvine, CA.
Safire, W. (2009, June 26). Location, location, location. Retrieved from http://https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/magazine/28FOB-onlanguage-t.html