According to a study about communication in the workplace in 2024, 86% of employees and executives cite the lack of effective communication in leadership and collaboration as the main causes of workplace failures (Pumble, 2024).

Communication is not just important for workplace relationships, but also for workplace success. As a leader, it’s imperative that we find ourselves growing in our communication skills each day, as new people, challenges, and situations arise. 

Consider how often you find yourself practicing the following:

• “I practice active listening.” Listening to others without interruption or formulating your own response while they speak shows great respect for the person speaking. Pay close attention to their words, tone, and body language. Show genuine interest in their opinion before expressing your own. In many cases, they already know your opinion, and are hopeful that they are going to have a chance to express where they are coming from with their thoughts. 
• “I empathize with others.” Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and truly understanding where they are coming from with their feelings, experiences, and motivations demonstrates you see them for who they are – beyond the work they do. 
• “I am mindful of nonverbal communication.” Pay attention to your nonverbal cues, such as your facial expressions, gestures, and posture. Our nonverbal communication signals can convey empathy, sincerity, and understanding.
• “I ask open-ended questions.” Encouraging others to share their thoughts and feelings by asking these types of questions allows deeper conversation to happen. Avoid leading or judgemental questions that may shut down conversations or make the other person feel defensive.

Growing in your communication skills as a leader will set you apart not just as a leader, but as a person, because you are intentionally choosing to see those around you as people as well.

Find ways to lean into growing your communication skills this week!