Using positive communication to effectively connect with others is a part of becoming a moving force in leadership roles. Communication plays a major role in pushing forward in order for businesses to grow. Without using good communication skills most business deals could be based on putting out fires rather than watching the business grow. A large part of a successful business comes from the way that people communicate with each other as well as with clients and customers.
Using positive communication to effectively connect with others can often help to eliminate a great deal of time that is spent putting out fires. Many people will unfortunately wait until the last minute to bring issues to the forefront before trying to deal with them. When this occurs, negative reactions from those with whom you are communicating with can and will happen. This is a cycle that can be vicious on many different levels for employees as well as for clients.
You may be asking what defines positive communication and how can it work for you in your current position as a leader whether in upper management or a leader on the front lines? The answer is simple – positive communication looks for the good aspects of what is currently happening and giving recognition where it is due. The old adage to give two positive strokes for one negative stroke is one that really works. If you are constantly giving negative feedback about what isn’t working, this easily and negatively transforms the work environment into one with low morale and motivation. Emotions are contagious, and leaders in an organization hold the keys to an organization’s culture and environment.
Using positive communication to effectively connect with others means shifting the focus to what is working, and what is working well. It is known that “words create worlds”, and by simply changing a common question from “How was your day?” to “What was the best part of your day?” can result in a mental shift to thinking positive thoughts. Positive thoughts then become positive actions, which can result in a happier environment in which to work.
Another aspect of positive communication with others involves listening. Listening to your employees as well as clients or customers is one of the best easy to recognize them, as it lets them know that you really care about what they think or feel. Listening well helps to reduce miscommunication, and reinforces engagement with your team and clients.
Using positive communication to effectively connect with others is important for everyone, and especially for those in leadership roles as a leaders’ behavior sets an example for subordinates to follow. At the end of the day, adding this particular skill will enable you to add a critical skill in your leadership toolbox.