“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” George Bernard Shaw 

How can people follow you if they don’t understand you? Effective communication as a leader can help you reach organisational goals. You can only do this if you clearly explain your vision and goals to your colleagues.  

Mastering this skill will enhance your leadership skills. It will empower you to drive the business forward. So, what can you do as a leader to communicate effectively? This article discusses ten things leaders can do to get their point across. 

Effective Communication as a Leader: 10 Tips to Get It Right 

You can use these ten tips to help you communicate as a leader. These tips will make a difference in your professional and personal life. It can also help to drive success for your team and organisation. 

1) Use Positive Language 

Using positive language can break barriers and engage your colleagues. When you speak, try to use constructive and encouraging words and expressions. Focus on goals and positive outcomes rather than problems. 

The benefits of positive language are incredible. It can: 

  • Improve your interpersonal relationships 
  • Foster cooperation with you and your colleagues 
  • Help to reduce misunderstandings 

You can do it by replacing negative words and phrases with positive ones. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t do that…” you can say, “I will try to find a way…” 

Using positive language as a leader can boost your team’s morale. It creates an environment where members feel valued and supported, which helps to promote a positive work culture. 

2) Show Empathy 

Empathy in communication involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Aaron Friedberg, M.D., explains in Psychology Today that empathy is a must for leaders. 

It can enhance collaboration, foster trust with colleagues, and reduce conflict. As a leader, you can show empathy by acknowledging emotions. Make a point of showing genuine concern and offering support without judgment. 

As an example, if you have a challenging situation, such as delivering bad news, you can: 

  • Acknowledge the impact on the team 
  • Understand the feelings of the team members 
  • Provide a supportive environment so they can express any concerns 
  • Help to maintain morale and foster a sense of solidarity 

Using your emotional intelligence can make an enormous difference as a leader. In our recent article, we cover everything about emotional intelligence.  

3) Be Open and Honest 

Being transparent with your colleagues makes employees feel safe and valued. When you are open and honest, it helps promote a culture of accountability. You can practice being open and honest in your communication by: 

  • Sharing information freely 
  • Admitting to mistakes 
  • Providing clear and truthful feedback 

You’ll benefit from stronger relationships, increased morale in the workplace, and a more resilient organisation. Making transparency a priority will create a foundation of trust that supports long-term success and well-being. 

4) Provide Constructive Feedback 

Nobody likes to hear negative comments about themselves. It’s the way humans are. Always provide constructive feedback if you need to give an employee mixed feedback. How else can people learn and grow? 

Exciting research from Harvard Business School concluded that “feedback is key to personal growth and improvement.” Also, “people consistently underestimate others’ desire for constructive feedback.” 

You will be helping your colleagues and yourself. The feedback can help employees learn, improve work relationships, and benefit the company.  

5) Be Clear and Concise 

Clear and concise communication is crucial, especially in leadership roles. It ensures people understand your message and remember it. To achieve this, leaders should:  

  • Focus on organising their thoughts 
  • Use simple and precise language 
  • Remove unnecessary information 

You can use strategies like asking for feedback to confirm their understanding. Additionally, you can tailor your message to the audience’s needs. Effective communication leads to better decision-making, increased efficiency, and stronger teams. 

6) Use Active Listening 

When you listen to your colleagues, are you listening to them? If you’re busy, you might feel like you want to rush the conversation along. Active listening is essential to be an effective communicator. 

It’s important to listen because: 

  • It fosters mutual respect 
  • It builds stronger relationships 
  • Reduces misunderstandings 

You can do it by: 

  • Maintaining eye contact 
  • Not interrupting 
  • Asking clarifying questions 

It helps you understand your team’s needs and concerns, build trust, and make informed decisions. For example, a leader who actively listens can identify and address issues early, improving morale and productivity.  

7) Adapt Your Communication Style 

Understanding different communication styles involves recognising employees’ varying preferences for exchanging information. Adapting your communication style can make your communication more effective. 

Some people prefer direct and concise communication. Others prefer more detailed and empathetic communication. Leaders who tailor their approach can improve team dynamics and productivity. 

An example is a manager who has a directive approach in a crisis. During a brainstorming session, they may switch to a more collaborative one. Adapting your style ensures your communication is adequate and appropriate for the problem. 

8) Don’t Forget to Use Non-Verbal Communication

It’s not only how you communicate verbally. There are also many ways we communicate nonverbally. Joe Navarro’s TEDx talk, “The Power of Nonverbal Communication,” gives insight into this exciting area of communication. 

Nonverbal cues such as body language, eye contact, and gestures can show confidence, attentiveness, and understanding. Sometimes, these actions can be more powerful than words. 

You can improve your nonverbal communication by: 

  • Maintaining an open posture 
  • Make consistent eye contact 
  • Use appropriate gestures to emphasise key points 

Look at nonverbal communication as complementing verbal communication. As a leader, it can: 

  • Reinforce your message 
  • Give more context 
  • Help establish rapport with your audience 

9) Encourage Open Dialogue with Your Colleagues 

Allowing colleagues to speak openly with you may seem daunting if you have never done it before. However, it can make employees feel comfortable and safe at work. Employees will come forward with thoughts and ideas as they feel free. 

It enhances team dynamics by improving communication with everybody. It also encourages collaboration and innovation. You can gain deeper insights and creative solutions. It’s because you have new thoughts and ideas from your colleagues. 

10) Keep Improving Your Communication Skills 

Staying on top of everything can be challenging as a leader, but your personal development is for you. Try to improve your communication skills on an ongoing basis. This process will help you at work and in your personal life. 

Various resources and methods can help you engage in ongoing self-improvement. Personal reflection can also provide feedback and help you see areas for improvement. 

Next Steps for You  

Are you curious about your strengths? The Clifton Strengths Assessment can be a valuable tool. It can help you understand yourself better. By discovering your top strengths, you can focus on them in your leadership role.  

As a leader, you can continue to learn and work on your personal development. Here at KCL, we offer different leadership coaching options. Choose something from our coaching services to help you on your leadership journey.