Varying Your Message

TOPICs: COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The most successful communicators are those who are capable of delivering their messages in a variety of ways. Nobody likes hearing the same message delivered over and over in the same manner. Almost everyone responds to inspirational speakers, but few people want a steady diet of rah-rah speeches. On the other hand, nobody likes to be preached at every time there is a meeting. Whether you are delivering good news, bad news or even boring news there is a way to capture the attention of your audience. 

Many years ago, there was a former baseball player turned manager by the name of Billy Martin. Billy was a fiery, combative player and he managed the same way. He developed a reputation as a turnaround specialist by taking over underperforming teams and managing them into contention. During his 16 year managerial career he led six different teams and won two World Series. With that kind of success you might ask why Billy’s average tenure was less than 3 years? The answer is simple; he only had one speed. Players responded well to his approach at first but tired of the unrelenting pressure after a couple of years. He knew baseball and he knew how to win but he didn’t know how to sustain success.

As a leader you have consistent themes to convey to your team. Your first goal as a communicator is to be sure that your message is heard and remembered. If you don’t find new and creative ways to get your message across you will be tuned out. Personally, I like to use humor when possible because it lightens the mood and makes it more likely that the meeting will be remembered. As with all communication issues, it is very helpful to imagine what message you want your audience to hear and then work backwards to determine which communication method(s) you will use.

What type of communication methods are available to you? Illustrations, skits, celebrations and stories are some of my favorites. Getting your audience to think along with you is the best way to keep them involved. If you let them know some of the issues you are facing they might even help you solve a problem. Telling a story which relates to their own experience makes them remember the story after your meeting is over. The element of surprise is always a winner. Nobody wants to hear your message if it’s the same message you delivered last month, and the month before that.

Another powerful communication tool is transparency. Your subordinates don’t know everything you know and they love hearing your plans for solving problems. In the absence of information most people assume the worst. As a leader you have daily opportunities to share information on your terms. Not all of your solutions will work out, and when they don’t, be honest about your failures – then share your next plan with them. One of my fundamental beliefs is that people like to be led. Assuming that you are proud of your leadership decisions, why wouldn’t you want to share them with your subordinates?

In the world of leadership, short-term success stories are everywhere but stories of sustained success are in much shorter supply. Billy Martin types quickly burn their teams out but leaders who understand that we all need a mix of inspiration, discipline, creativity and honesty will build their teams into long term success stories. As you continue to work on your leadership skills don’t forget to work on becoming a more effective communicator.