Communication Strategies for Successful Leaders

I have 3 questions to see if you or your leaders use communication strategies at work.

1. Does your team feel safe to have open communication with each other?
2. Do your employees feel heard?
3. Is there trust at work?

I would love to be a fly on the wall and listen to your responses!  Obviously, some of you answered “yes” to all 3 questions.  What about those of you who are rolling your eyes right now and wondering how to deal with the passive aggressive or closed down attitude at work?

This article gives 3 powerful communication strategies that my clients successfully use to create trust and open communication.  They all work once leadership knows that everyone has to become involved.

Powerful Communication Strategies #1:  Collaboration Versus a Win/Lose Environment

Leaders need to figure out how to give people permission to build trust.  Use the following ideas:

• Ask for everyone’s ideas
• Discuss what needs to stop, continue, and change
• Invite small groups or individuals to eat breakfast with the boss

Strategic Communication Strategies #2:  Encourage Positive Conflict

You read this right!  Conflict is positive when results are part of the equation.  Conflict becomes constructive collaboration when used correctly.  Remember a time at work or even at home when relationships became stronger after a successful communication.  I know you may be thinking of times when relationships became weakened after a certain confrontation.  The idea is to figure out what worked when things were improved and what didn’t work when the communication failed.

Check out my article on Got Personality Issues at Work?  This short yet powerful post contains many ideas you can use with colleagues who drive you crazy or a team that is experiencing a lot of drama.

Strategic Communication Strategies #3:  Understand That Everyone Deals with Conflict Differently

This is a hard one to handle at times.  We think to ourselves – “Why does she react this way?”  or “I wish he wasn’t so sensitive.”  Our behavioral styles make us unique.  The good news is that we react better with people who have the same behavioral style as we do.  The bad news is that conflict is worsened when we communicate with people who have different behavioral styles. Look for a future article on this important topic.

So Joyce, What Do You Think?

I have a very important question to ask.  How skilled are your people in having tough conversations in a RESPECTFUL way – to make sure they feel heard?  If you look at my logo, it contains 3 words:  Respect-Resolve-Results.  Not feeling heard is one of the largest reasons why people leave their company.  Once leaders understand and use these 3 communication strategies they will see a difference in the morale of their company. 

CLICK HERE to learn how Joyce can help your company eliminate destructive conflict in the workplace

I want to hear from you!

CLICK HERE to send me your questions about how your leaders make people feel heard.  What is your experience with how lack of trust and openness create conflict at work?  Do you have any tips how to initiate a conversation with a leader who you want to share your ideas? What’s the most uncomfortable conversation you’ve had with a leader?

Have you read any good business books lately? I’d love to hear about them.

Until next time,

This is Joyce Weiss, Communication Strategist and Coach

You can start tackling tough conversations with leaders and your team once you learn the powerful strategies. I will do whatever it takes to help you improve your quality of life.

Feel free to call me (800.713.1926) concerning your own team/executive retreats, workshops, and on line professional growth coaching.

Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

See YOU Next Week.

PS Check out my article on Got Personality Issues at Work?  This short yet powerful post contains many ideas you can use with colleagues who drive you crazy or a team that is experiencing a lot of drama.

Read more articles and listen to podcasts at our Conflict in the Workplace Knowledge Page https://www.joyceweiss.com/resources/knowledge-base/conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace/