Competent Leadership and Effective Communication Aim: To show the nature of the relationship between competent leadership and effective communication

OBJECTIVES To define the term leadership To define the term communication To identify the attributes of a competent leader To identify the characteristics of effective communication To establish the symbiotic relationship between effective communication and competent leadership

Definition of Terms Leadership is a frontiers- breaking activity which is driven by a vision, wit and a predisposition for change, growth and mutual success. A competent leader succeeds together with the organisation and the people he/she leads. Communication is a dynamic meaning creating process whose goal is mutuality of understanding. It involves the active co- creation and negotiation of meaning between and among mutually respecting participants

Introduction Organisations are not leaderless institutions. They are led and managed by individuals who provide purpose and direction to the workforce and key stakeholders. Organisations are places where different people from diverse backgrounds meet and work to advance corporate objectives and goals The different people with different affinities who work in organisations need to have a shared vision and singleness of purpose otherwise the company collapses Communication is the all-important lubricant that makes the organisation move in harmony as a well oiled machine.

Introductory remarks cont’d Michael Hackman (2006) argues that leadership is primarily trust and communication. When we communicate well with people and treat them with respect, they will go through brick walls for us. The greater the leadership responsibility, the more the job is a communication job To sharpen comn skills is to sharpen leadership skills

Cont…. Chester Bernard (1938) argues that communication is the main task of managers and Executives. Dan B. Curtis reinforces the above by asserting that Chief Executives and other senior leaders place the highest value on interpersonal communication because productivity depends on it. Leaders coach, coordinate, delegate, counsel, evaluate and supervise thru comn.

The communication-leadership interface Leaders are visionaries. Their major challenge is to ensure that the future they envision is shared by their followers. The leader’s vision can only be shared through effective communication. The law of magnetism states that a leader must attract followers. Followers are guaranteed if the leader’s vision and sense of direction is shared by the subordinates

… Through effective communication, leaders create future leaders. Mentoring, delegation, coaching among other key leadership roles are mediated through communication. These leadership roles take the organisation to the envisioned future. Leaders that practice life affirming communication empower their subordinates in a way that guarantees the continual existence of the organisation.

… Competent leaders are the vital link between the organisation and its internal and external stakeholders. Networking, which is only possible through communication, expands the organisation’s reach and sphere of influence. Emotional intelligence which is a fundamental networking ingredient is exercised through effective communication.

Cont... Leadership is about connecting people, materials and processes to achieve desired outcomes When a leader’s communication styles are relevant, compatible and effective, leadership and outcomes are hugely enhanced. Clear messages are the essential foundation for connecting people to achieve common outcomes.

Lucid, persuasive, flexible communication becomes the toolkit all leaders who face the challenge of maximising productivity of their teams need A leader must promote two-way communication because learning from each other is a primary way of increasing organisational wisdom and outcomes. Effective comn facilitates co-creation and mutual growth.

More Leadership/ Communication roles Leaders are normally referred to as change agents Through communication, leaders destroy the present which they do not wish to see persist in the future and replace it with a desired future oriented practice. This can be referred to as constructive destruction. Subordinates resist change if leaders do not effectively communicate the motive behind the desired change.

Leaders and the cross-fertilisation of ideas Through communication, life affirming communication, leaders promote the cross- fertilisation of ideas. Effective communication empowers employees to indulge in creative thinking and to share their thoughts without inhibition. When leaders and their subordinates co-create the vision and strategy for organisational growth, success is guaranteed (co-ownership of vision)

Leadership and disproportionate responsibility Leaders suffer from disproportionate blame if their institutions fail. Similarly, leaders enjoy disproportionate praise if their organisation succeeds. The blame will be easier to shoulder, and the praise will be greatly lavished if, through communication, leaders create in their subordinates a sense of collective culpability or benefit.

Communication Practices for Effective leadership Effective leaders do not speak with a forked tongue. Their sincere, straightforward communication generates trust which is key in attracting followers Leadership communication thrives on dialogue as opposed to monologue Leaders speak with an open mind Leaders are good listeners Leaders practice empathetic communication

Cont’d Leaders do not bring messages that are cast in stone Leaders speak to multitudes and groups as if they are speaking to individuals Leaders speak from an informed perspective.