"Communicating with IMPACT" - Patrick Donadio, MBA

Effective leaders understand that good communication also involves the ability to give clear direction and productive feedback. They also know when to ask questions and how to encourage new ideas among their employees. Here is another of my leadership communication skills tips to help you communicate your message more effectively: Use Questions to Uncover Information. “Effective leaders use great questions.” When an employee comes to you with a challenge, instead of giving them an answer (the default mode for many leaders) ask them a question instead. Questions allow you to collect information before you give the answer (diagnose before you prescribe). Questions can empower employees by helping them think through a challenge and forcing them to search for answers or new ideas on their own. If they uncover the answers, employees are more likely to embrace them. Leaders can also use questions as a check for understanding and to see whether the listener got the essence of the message. “...

Effective leaders understand that good communication involves sharing the bigger picture! Here is another of my leadership communication skills tips to help you communicate your message more effectively: Explain the “why” behind the message. More and more, people want to know the reasons behind what they are being asked to do. Not explaining the “why” often means employees won’t be engaged with what you are saying. By taking the time to explain why something needs to be done, you create an atmosphere of understanding and engagement. The more engaged the better result. ACTION During these challenging and hectic times, after you communicate a decision, a new policy or a change in existing procedures... take a few minutes and explain the “Why” behind the decision. Over the next few weeks I will be sharing a few areas that can help leaders communicate their messages more effectively. So be sure to check back. In the meantime, if you have any successes or questions about leadership commun...