The Communication Problems That Can Affect Your Leadership

If you go straight to your office first and close the door of the day, you communicate with something completely different than when you greet people and make it clear that, for example, you are available. Many managers emphasize technical skills as more important than communication skills, but what are technical skills if no one is communicating? Here are few common communication issues that can seriously affect the quality of your management.

1. Do not set expectations

Communicating your expectations is a basic quality without which good communication is not possible. To set expectations, you need to:

• ·         Determine the responsibility of each person

• ·         State why these responsibilities matter

• ·         Define the typical pace of work (weekly, monthly, etc.) and why this pace is important

• ·         Make sure everyone knows the important information about what is expected of them

• ·         Explain why they should do things a certain way

• ·         Confirm that they understand it all

2. Undefined communication channels

Although you should use several communication channels, you need to define what they are and for what purposes you use them. In other words, your team members need to understand why they need to monitor email and other channels, and should not ignore any communication channels.

3. One-way communication

Communication means two-way or multi-directional conversation, not just top-down corrections. One feature of an effective communicator is that they listen more than they talk - and that includes leaders. Make sure you listen as well as speak, and make sure everyone knows you want their feedback. Communication must go in several directions. 

4. Information containers

Information containers are often unintentional, but they can change from benign to harmful. Containers allow one person or group to store information, which seriously hinders communication. Determine where the information containers can be and work hard to break them down. Hidden information and good communication do not go together.

In general, poor communication amplifies the bad and stifles the good, as you can see in the following table.  Leadership development requires you to adhere to high standards of quality and responsibility, and communication is as important as any technical skill. Dr David Clive Price is a global leadership speaker and offers programs on effective management communication. He offers global leadership coaching to help individuals find their hidden strengths and values that will direct them to the right path.