3 Key Traits of Leaders with High Communication Scores
Description: Effective communication is one of the most critical skills for leaders. Leaders who excel at communication not only boost team performance but also encourage active participation from their team members. In this post, we'll explore three key traits that leaders with high communication scores share.
1. Ask the Right Questions
Great leaders know how to ask questions that encourage their team to think critically and come up with their own answers. Instead of giving direct orders, leaders should ask questions that lead team members to the solution. This approach can significantly enhance team execution, making them up to three times more effective.
For example, instead of saying, "Do this," a leader might ask, "What do you think is the best way to solve this issue?" By doing so, the team takes ownership of the solution, leading to increased commitment and productivity.
4. Asking the right questions is a key leadership tool. It helps unlock your team's full potential.
2. Maintain a 35–45% Speaking Share
Leaders who dominate conversations tend to stifle team input, while those who speak too little may seem disengaged. Research suggests that the ideal speaking share for leaders is around 35–45% of the conversation.
This balance allows the leader to guide the discussion while leaving plenty of room for team members to share their thoughts. When leaders maintain this balance, their messages come across more clearly, and the team feels more involved and valued.
Tip: To maintain this balance, ask more questions, actively listen to team members, and save your input for critical moments where direction is needed.
3. Explain the 'Why'
One of the most important traits of leaders with high communication scores is their ability to explain why something is important. It's not just about telling the team what to do, but also explaining the context, reasons, and background behind the decision.
For instance, instead of just saying, "Submit the report by next week," a leader could say, "We need the report by next week because the data will be used for the next phase of the project." When the team understands the why, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged, knowing their work has a greater purpose.
4. Leaders who explain the 'why' build trust and understanding. It's a vital component of effective communication.
Conclusion
Leaders with high communication scores don’t just give orders; they ask questions that inspire thought, maintain an optimal speaking balance, and always explain the reasons behind their requests. By adopting these traits, you can improve team engagement and performance.
