It’s time to make the critical shift from leading the business by yourself to leading an organization of people. At P2Excellence, we help you navigate the uncharted territories of organizational growth with clarity and confidence.
Unlock the Power of Effective Communication:
Lead with Clarity and Confidence
Hello again, and welcome back to our year-long exploration of 12 Critical Competencies for High-Impact Leadership.
Last month, we focused on Emotional Intelligence—the internal skill of recognizing, managing, and responding to our own feelings and those of others.
This month, we’re turning our attention outward to Effective Communication, a competency that determines how well we express ideas, connect with our audience, and inspire action.
Below, I’ll walk you through the why, the what, and the how of Effective Communication, using our familiar five key points. I’ll also weave in a reminder to “seek first to understand,” as Stephen Covey taught us, and share how assessments (like DiSC) can help us tailor our messages effectively.
Why Now?
Effective Communication is the backbone of every leadership activity—from setting vision and strategy to influencing peers, supporting your boss, developing your team, or growing your personal brand. This skill ensures that people don’t just hear you—they truly understand your intent and can act on your ideas.
Why You?
You operate in a complex environment where clarity, empathy, and adaptability are non-negotiable. Whether you’re in a one-on-one coaching chat with a teammate, presenting to upper management, or networking to expand your influence, refining how you communicate will boost your impact and credibility.
How Do You Start?
Begin with self-awareness. Think about your audience: Are you developing your team, influencing peers, supporting your boss, or growing your brand? Each scenario may demand a nuanced approach. Use your DiSC results (or other relevant assessments) to adapt your communication style. Then consistently “seek first to understand” by listening before you speak.
Challenge:
When communication falters, you may feel frustrated or unheard, and your team can become disengaged or confused.
Mistakes, tension, and rework often point back to unclear or misaligned messaging.
In a fast-paced environment, even small miscommunications can escalate quickly, draining time and energy from you and those you lead.
Self Reflection:
Ask yourself
“Am I truly listening and adapting my communication for the person I’m speaking to, or am I just waiting for my turn to talk?”
Remember Covey’s principle
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
If you’ve taken assessments like DiSC, use your insights to match your language, pace, and tone to the preferences of the person you’re connecting with—whether that’s a boss, peer, direct report, or client.
Hack:
Start conversations by listening and clarifying the other person’s perspective:
- Listen without distraction or judgment.
- Summarize back what you heard, checking for accuracy.
- Ask open-ended questions to ensure deeper understanding.
- Adapt your approach based on assessments (like DiSC) or personal cues. If you’re speaking with a more analytical type, emphasize facts and data; if your listener values relationships, focus on empathy and connection.
By tailoring your approach, you show respect for their style, reinforce trust, and reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
When to Consider Hiring a Coach:
If you find yourself in repetitive communication loops—where your message doesn’t land, or you consistently receive feedback about clarity—look for someone who can help you pinpoint the gaps.
A coach can guide you in leveraging tools like DiSC for more adaptive communication, provide scripts for difficult conversations, and help you refine your style for different audiences.
Action Steps:
After any significant conversation or meeting, set aside five minutes to debrief:
- Did I truly seek to understand the other person’s perspective?
- Was my message clear and suited to their style (using DiSC or other insights)?
- How can I adjust next time to ensure more alignment?
These small reflections add up to big improvements over time.
I Believe In You
I’m here to support you as you refine your communication style this month. Each thoughtful pause, each intentional question, and each moment you adapt to your audience will bring you closer to the high-impact leader you strive to be.
Join the Conversation
Let’s continue this discussion on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your insights, experiences, and successes (or stumbles) as you strengthen your Emotional Intelligence.
Please Spread the Word
We’d love for you to refer Tuesday’s to other leaders in your network. Please share this post and encourage your colleagues to subscribe.
Here’s to a month of clear, impactful communication together!
