Ben Williams' Communication Strategies & Skills

Effective leaders know how to communicate clearly, practice active listening, and adapt to their audience. Leaders with excellent communication skills communicate in various methods. These methods include face-to-face, E-mail, social media, and phone calls. It is important to communicate through different methods because communication preferences change on the audience. Effective communicators constantly adapt to different audiences.

From the Interactive Lecture in Module 2 states “There’s no way around this – leadership requires the ability to listen, to speak to, and to direct individuals in a manner productive for all involved, including the organization” (CSU-Global, 2016) Great communicators use many strategies to communicate effectively such as, building trust, adapting to their audience, simple wording, being visible, and active listening.

This paper will examine different effective communication strategies and discuss how Williams (from Chapter 3) can use these strategies to improve his own communication skills.

Effective Communication Strategies

There are several strategies outlined below to communicate effectively. A successful leader will use multiple communication strategies to communicate well.

Effective communicators know the way someone speaks to a friend differs to communicating with authority. Through building trust with your audience, adapting to communication methods, using simple wording, being visible and active listening leaders can communicate effectively.

Gain trust – Effective communicators build relationships with their listeners by earning trust. Trust is gained by following through with the plan. In the Forbes article, 5 Habits of Highly Effective Communicators, Tardanio (2012) states, “Your behavior is your single greatest mode of communication, and it must be congruent with what you say. If your actions don’t align with your words, there’s trouble” (para.

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1). The bottom line is effective communicators are honest and their actions stick to their words. Effective leaders are also aware that it is better to say nothing than to lie (Tardanio, 2012).

Adapt to various forms of communication – Effective communicators can adapt to a variety of audiences. They can adapt based on their age, communication preference, and relationship to the audience. Effective communicators can also communicate across all generations. The article Generation Matters explains how communication preferences are impacted by the generation someone is born into.

A good communicator is aware a traditionalist who prefers face-to-face contact is not the same a Millennial who prefers indirect communication through social media (2015). A good communicator knows their communication preferences differ because they were born into different eras (2015). Effective communicators are able to adapt to multiple forms of communication such as E-mail, SMS, phone calls, meetings, and social media to tailor the audience’s needs.

Transforming complex strategies into simple ideas – Keeping ideas concise so everyone can understand the main idea is important to communicate well. What is being communicated should be widely understood. Tardancio (2012) states, “Say what you mean in as few words as possible” (para. 2). Effective communicators are aware of unnecessary jargon which adds complexity to their ideas (Tardancio, 2012). Communication is most effective when the listeners can understand.

Being Visible – Being visible and available to peers is also important to communicate effectively. Leaders with great communication skills do not hide behind their desk all day. They will interact with their peers, and be available for questions or discussion. Tardancio (2012) states, “In today’s environment, people are often burned out and need to feel a personal connection to you and the work you believe in” (para. 4). Effective communicators need to be in reach of their peers. Peers are more likely to communicate with their leaders if they feel a personal connection. Leaders who practice effective communication are approachable and are engaged in their work.

Active Listening -Effective communicators not only speak well, but are also active listeners. Effective communicators will closely listen to their peers and ask questions when necessary. In the journal article Active Listening More than just paying attention, Robertson (2005) states, “Active listening is a specific communication skill, based on the work of psychologist Carl Rogers, which involved giving free and undivided attention to the speaker” (p.1053). Effective communicators will practice active listening by not interrupting the speaker, asking questions, and focusing on the speaker (Robertson, 2005). Effective communicators know listening is just as important as speaking.

Williams’ Communication Skills

Module 3 examines the current communication strategy of Ben Williams, a CEO of a public relations firm. Williams surveys the firm’s employees to understand their satisfaction level with the firm’s leadership. The results are that William does not communicate enough with his staff. Williams only communicates with employees when something needs to be done. He gives no explanation as to “Why” for his employees. The survey also concludes William does not like electronic communications and meetings. William now realizes he needs to make some changes in his communication methods (CSU-Global, 2016).

Communication Strategy-Williams’ communication strategy can be improved in many ways in order to lead effectively. For William to communicate effectively, he needs to overcome communication barriers, be more visible to his peers, and practice active listening. In result, if William improves his communication skills, he will be a more effective leader for his company.

Overcoming barriers – Currently, Williams does not like electronic communications and believes meetings are useless. If Williams adapts to new communication forms, his staff will be more likely to communicate with him. Williams needs to overcome communication barriers so he can better lead his staff. For example, although Williams does not like meetings, if holds a weekly meeting for his peers, they may be more inclined to communicate with Williams. Giving the employees an opportunity to communicate will help build trust. Currently, he uses the same communication with everyone. If Williams tailors his communication to each individual or audience, he will communicate more effectively. It is also important for Williams to notify employees when a new project is being started. Having a shared vision is very important for effective leadership.

Being visible and active listening – Currently, William only communicates with his staff when there is a problem. Williams is not being visible or available to his employees. Williams should communicate with his staff regularly so they feel a personal connection. The article 10 Things Extraordinary Bosses Give Employees from Inc.com Haden (2013) states, “A true sense of connection is personal. That’s why exceptional bosses show they see and appreciate the person, not just the worker” (para 6.). Williams could build employee relationships so the staff knows they are valued. Williams should also practice active listening with his staff.

Williams’ employees will feel respected when they are being listened to. Providing undivided attention to your employees will make them feel important and happy. In the article Why Happy Employees are 12% More Productive Revesncio (2015) states, “A recent study by economists at the University of Warwick found that happiness led to a 12% spike in productivity, while unhappy workers proved 10% less productive” (para. 2). Overall, keeping your employees happy will keep your business happy.

Effective communication is an important skill for leaders to have. There are multiple strategies to practice such as gaining trust, adapting to the audience’s communication preference, being visible, being concise within communication and active listening. As a leader, it is crucial to communicate effectively in order to reach success. For example, If Williams practices the strategies outlined in this paper, he will find that employees are more satisfied with their leaders. Overcoming barriers and practicing multiple strategies are necessary to improve communication skills. Overall, effective communication is crucial for leaders to succeed.