Effective communication is one of the key elements for a successful continuous improvement transformation. Therefore, being a good communicator is essential for leadership. What are the characteristics of good communicators?
Characteristics of good communicators
Every step of the way during the transformation, leadership communication needs to be effective. Clarity is one of the characteristics of effective communication. Convey all the necessary information with clarity is not easy. Not only that but being concise and clear is even more difficult. Good communicators master the art of getting their ideas across while being concise. They share clear ideas, direct to the point, without fancy words.
To spark curiosity and the desire to learn and discover, asking the right questions is critical. A good communicator knows how and when to ask. They listen to the answers and use them to keep asking questions. With this process, they guide people to learn lean thinking. That is to say that asking questions is another way to communicate ideas and share information.
Honesty is always good!
Honesty is another characteristic of this group. Changing minds and behaviors is not an easy task. Influencing people to change requires a good dose of honesty while being respectful. It also requires having tough conversations at the appropriate time.
In continuous improvement, root cause analysis is an everyday activity. While investigating the reasons for failure, focus on the process. Most of the time, this or the materials are the culprits. However, sometimes a person did make a mistake. Those times, you need to be honest without criticizing or blaming. The way you present the facts will determine how the person feels and react in the future. The trick is to provide feedback while motivating the person to keep learning and improving.
Practice the characteristics of good communicators
Good communicators create a safe environment to have courageous conversations. They are honest, empathetic, and compassionate. Also, they practice active listening, convey their ideas with clarity and concisely. The best communicators ask questions to understand and learn. They are mindful of the tone of their words and the timing of the questions. We all can learn to be better communicators. With practice, we can become good ones.