If you found yourself at a meeting in which you didn’t know anyone or their titles, would you be able to pick out the decision maker in the room? It may not be the person who speaks the most, the one who looks the part, or even the one conducting the meeting. Yet if we’ve been around a workplace any length of time at all, we’re very attuned to picking up on the executive presence of decision makers, and the signals of authority that give us telltale clues.
That process is more art than science, but like art, we think we know it when we see it. There’s a deference afforded leaders and expectations about how they communicate to others. There are of course as wide a variety of leadership styles as there are individuals, but there are commonalities we look for that set leadership communications apart.
1) Authenticity
Generally, we expect a decision maker’s actions to align with their core beliefs. That means when there’s a sudden difficulty, budget cutbacks for instance, a noteworthy change in direction, or course correction needed, a leader recognizes the need to help others come to terms with it. Leadership communication must own the reality of why expectations have changed along with the acknowledgement of discomfort that comes with it, before convincing others that overall values and core beliefs haven’t been abandoned.
2.) Adaptability
When things go wrong in organizations, as they inevitably do, it’s up to good leaders to adjust and to help others do the same. Resiliency is a learned skill and leaders who can communicate openly about how they’ve adapted, can help their teams recognize that strength. Those who think talking about vulnerabilities or mistakes show weakness, are missing a real opportunity to show the kind of strength and agility that helps their teams meet new challenges in the future.
3.) Accountability
Leaders take accountability and make that clear in their communications. At the same time, no leader is expected to know the answer to every question or pretend they do. Good leaders aren’t afraid of saying “I don’t know”, but they do share a determination to find answers. Inspiring others to come together to provide them happens only when leaders make it safe for others to come forward. The leader who empowers others, even if they aren’t always the fastest route to a resolution, are the ones others recognize and reward with loyalty.
None of these traits are obvious to others unless they’re communicated clearly. If a leader thinks they’ve taken accountability, but no one else does, it didn’t happen. Leadership communications requires real intent. Be sure those you speak to understand yours.
