There is an old saying. Just because you said something does not mean they heard you. We live in the 24/7 communication age. The challenge for any leader is which form of communication is the most effective. This varies between generations. Our grandparents communicated mainly face to face, via letter, or the phone. Our young generation connect and communicate quite differently, using technology as the quickest and most immediate form of communication.

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place
– George Bernard Shaw

Researchers and educationalists are increasingly concerned about our young losing their “aural and oral” skills, that is, their ability to listen and process what they hear, and then communicate effectively. This requires constant practice and application. The concern centres on the overuse of technology and the diminishing skill of being able to read nonverbal cues, such as tone or voice, body language, and facial expression.

There are two skills every employer looks for in any staff member: having the right mindset; and the ability to communicate effectively. Mindset and communication go hand in hand. To be an effective team member a person needs to have a team orientated mindset and an ability to communicate with others. Effective communication does not happen by chance, it is a skill that is acquired over time, and needs constant practice and application.

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.  
If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.
Effective communication is an art
– Nelsen Mandela

10 Communication Tips for our Next Generation:

Listen, listen, and listen. People want to know that they are being heard. Really listen to what the other person is saying, instead of formulating your response. Be present in the moment, the person speaking to you should have your full attention.

Listen to understand, don’t listen to reply.

Who you are talking to matters. Different generations communicate differently – and that is OK. Effective communicators target their message based on who they are speaking to, so try to keep the other person in mind, when trying to get a message across.

Think how they would communicate with you, and accordingly use their methodology.

Body language matters. This is important for face-to-face meetings and video conferencing. Make sure that you appear accessible, interested, and not distracted. Activate your video for online calls. Have an open body language. Keep eye contact, nod, and smile so that the other person knows that you are paying attention.

70 per cent of all communication is nonverbal, so be engaged.

Check your message before you hit send. Spell and grammar checkers are lifesavers, but they are not fool proof. Double check what you have written, to make sure that your words are communicating the intended message.

It is easy to be a keyboard warrior. Just remember what you say reflects your personal brand when you hit “send!”

Sometimes it’s better to pick up the phone. If you find that you have a lot to say, or if the topic may be misconstrued or is sensitive, instead of sending an email, call the person instead. Email is great, but sometimes it is easier to communicate what you have to say verbally.

Coaching someone requires a conversation, not an email or text!

Active listening. Listen to understand. Focus on understanding the speaker’s message rather than formulating your response. Paraphrase what they said to ensure you’ve understood correctly. Understand their back story so you get the full picture.

Everyone has a front yard and back yard. You may have no idea what is happening behind the scenes in someone’s life.

Be curious and considered. Think before you speak. Always pause before you speak, not saying the first thing that comes to mind. Take a moment and pay close attention to what you say and how you say it. This one habit will allow you to avoid embarrassments.

Never speak when you are angry. Nothing constructive comes out of an angry confrontation or outburst.

Always be respectful. Treat everyone equally. Do not talk down to anyone. Treating everyone with respect helps foster relationships and a safe environment to communicate. Treat others as your equal.

People will never forget how you made them feel, but they will forget what you said.

Practice patience. Just when you get sick of saying something, some people may just be starting to get it. Effective communication requires time and effort. Be patient and persistent in your efforts to convey your message clearly. Remember communication and comprehension are two different things.

Repetition is an important communication tool. Think of different ways and a variety of communication channels to send the same message.

Nature of the message. Consider whether the message is simple or complex, formal or informal, confidential or general. For complex or detailed information, written mediums like email or documents may be more appropriate. For quick updates or informal conversations, instant messaging or phone calls might be better.

Avoid being insensitive. Couple the right message with the right channel. Texting someone that you are ill five minutes before due to start does not cut it!

Leadership Lesson

Communication is a skill that is developed and refined over time with practice and application.
A leader must own their communication and the ripple effect it has on others.

Facta Non-Verba – Deeds Not Words