The skills students learn while earning a communication degree are applicable in virtually every position they will hold after graduation. Many employers view communication majors as extremely employable because the degree intersects with so many disciplines, and it instills valuable abilities essential to success in many fields. It is one of the most popular undergraduate majors because it gives graduates the flexibility to work in a variety of areas.
Very good communicators may find themselves leaning toward a career in leadership or management. Because it’s difficult to be an effective leader without having solid communication skills, here is an overview of the top communication rules to master as a leader or manager. When used consistently, these skills help a leader effectively manage a team.
Develop your sense of external awareness
Throughout history, great communicators have known that for their messages to really resonate with their audience, it must reach them at an emotional level. Leaders who communicate to their listeners’ hearts and engage them with their emotions are more effective at getting others on board with team initiatives. Leaders should get personal with their messages, engaging in dialogue with employees instead of “corporate speak” monologue.
Be consistent with messages and values
“Speak not with a forked tongue” is another way to say this. Employees do not trust leaders whose messaging is haphazard and doesn’t have a consistent end goal. Instill trust in employees by acting with integrity and compassion, setting good examples with your actions and decisions. Being as specific as possible with messaging helps employees move in the right direction.
Keep an open mind — then listen
Once leaders understand the power of seeking opinions different than their own, their employees see that they truly want to understand the root of issues or disagreements within a company or organization. Again, open dialogue takes a leader far in instilling trust and loyalty among employees. Great leaders know how to listen. So many try to get their message across with no opportunity for dialogue. Knowing how to listen as part of meaningful conversation propels a leader to success.
Favor empathy over ego
Leaders or managers who treat employees with empathy, not letting their egos get in the way of engaging with their workforce on a personal and human level, are most successful in building trust and allegiance. Knowing how to communicate with empathy makes a leader more transparent and relatable.
Perhaps most important, be an expert in your field, command your subject matter and know what you’re talking about
Employees see through a shallow understanding of the most technical aspects of the task at hand. Be a leader who can add value to any conversation, inserting teaching moments whenever possible. Employees who see their leader as an expert have greater job satisfaction and see the opportunity to learn from their manager as a major benefit.