The buzzword seems to be communication these days, which is ironic since there is no shortage of tweets, messages, emails and posts on LinkedIn. Yet, there are dozens of webinars and articles (just like this one) on communication.
Why is that?
It turns out, not getting your point across clearly and crisply is costly.
Consider this:
71% of employees report their manager doesn’t explain goals or plans
38% of employees will poorly perform after a tough review
37 Billion dollars is spent due to employee misunderstanding
Let me clarify the ‘misunderstandings”. Misunderstandings in this case is employees that didn’t understand policies, processes or job junction – or all three.
There are common barriers all leaders face when delivering news which inhibits them for being effective. Read: preventing your employees of making a colossal screw up in the office.
For example, a leader has an issue delivering the bad news to the team. Perhaps it’s a change related issue, an impending lay off or the stocks have gone down. As a female leader, your feelings around a subject can accidentally bleed all over your delivery.
The impact? The team may not trust you as the leader or manipulate your announcement, knowing your hidden feelings on the topic.
Hidden agendas by not sharing information is also a communication killer, but for most female leaders, this isn’t an issue. Being transparent – to a fault – can be an asset over her male counterparts.
For the most part, female leaders leverage their ability to foster a team and communicate to their advantage. But as I’ve stated in earlier radio shows and articles, never let them see you sweat. That rule holds near and dear in this case, if you want to be deemed a credible leader.
Think about the best female leader you followed in your career. What was it about her that made you trust her, even when she was delivering tough news?
The bigger question is – can you emulate her?
