06 Feb
Communication is one of the most critical skill sets you need as a leader. And it’s not communicating by hiding behind a keyboard, or only when things are wrong. It is the constant and everyday conversations that have the most impact.
I don’t know how many of you watch the Apple series Ted Lasso, if you don’t you must! The show is about an American football coach who finds himself in the UK coaching a soccer team.
I started watching it, curious as it had great reviews. Now I am binging it and soaking in the leadership lessons.
Lasso is an extremely positive character, even when the entire football ground is calling him a wanker (you need to watch the show) he still manages to have a smile on his face.
Lasso is focused on the long term goals, however also very realistic about the talent of his players, he understands what they are insecure about and what their long term goals are. And because he does, he can provide feedback that supports them and ensure they believe in themselves and the team goals.
He is comfortable being open and vulnerable and an awesome communicator. He is curious, wanting to learn more and almost an annoyingly positive outlook on life.
Some of the lessons on this show are about, being curious rather than judgemental, asking better questions, being a goldfish – not dwelling on our mistakes rather learning from them and teamwork makes great work.
Communication from a CEO, Director, team leader, manager can make or break that team. It is so much easier when everyone is in the office to have a conversation while making a coffee, walking past a desk, saying good morning, in your office, you can eyeball them, watch their body language and assess if you have gotten through.
This is much harder virtually. If you come across as confusing, nervous and lack confidence, people will lose confidence in you and your ability to lead
Today, leaders need to be able to communicate clearly to build connection with the company values, goals, culture, performance – not just when they are face to face, but virtually as well.
You need to be present – “be where your feet are”, as Gilbert Enoka used to say. Listen actively. We all know how easy it is to get distracted virtually and keep everyone else connected to the conversation as well.
All this is not as easy as it sounds, especially today in a virtual world. In Episode 2 of Future Fit Leadership we talk to Maritza Barone about her 9 communication tips in a virtual world.
She takes us through the importance of preparation, listening, storytelling, breath, language, interaction, the pause, pace and tone and authenticity.
Combine this with the lessons from Ted Lasso and you will definitely fine tune your communication skills.
You can download 9 Ways To Engage An Audience And Communicate With Confidence and pick up your own Conscious Conversations cards here and start communicating with confidence.
