When you consider your favorite world leaders, many of them were likely excellent communicators. Even on a smaller scale, those considered to be good leaders and bosses are often skilled at communication.
Terri Flood, Vice President of Business Development at Wayne Healthcare, notes that “the ability to communicate as leaders, it helps us gain trust and confidence in our teams, and it also helps us to lead better from an employee engagement and patient outcome standpoint, which is important in healthcare leadership.”
Not everyone has a natural aptitude for communication. Fortunately, this skill can be developed and improved so you’re equipped with the right tools in your leadership toolbox.
Assertive Communication
Communicating with confidence is a necessity for leaders. Flood promotes using assertive communication as an executive. “Assertive communication and being clear is critical for all levels of leadership and our development,” she says. “It shows that we are confident in who we are, especially as we’re leading others, especially in difficult conversations and situations.”
Assertive communication helps establish trust. “When people can trust what you’re saying, they tend to follow you more as a leader,” Flood adds. “Remember to use direct eye contact that shows you’re confident and you’re truthful in what you’re saying, you’re strong and not intimidating.”
Body language, tone, and facial expressions all play into assertive communication. Honest, direct yet friendly communication is key.
Attentive Listening
Communication is a two-way street. Listening is just as important as speaking clearly and confidently. MJ Clark, Vice President for Integrated Leadership Systems, advocates for attentive listening.
“Attentive listening really shows respect and interest,” she explains.” If I just ignore you, I’m not being respectful in the moment or if I’m thinking about what to say next, that’s not helpful for my listener to feel like they are being heard. If we show respect through attentive listening, people are much more likely to listen to us out of mutual respect.”
Clark also recommends that when someone else is talking, you shouldn’t just think of what you’re going to say when they stop. “It’s very distracting in our minds to be having that inner dialogue of what are we going to say as soon as they stop talking,” she warns. “And, we’re clearly not paying attention when that is going on.”
Leadership-Focused Communication
Improving your communication skills starts at home. “Pushing yourself to practice uncomfortable conversations in your personal life will help you become significantly more skilled at having difficult conversations in the workplace, which directly leads to building trusting relationships,” Clark recommends.
Becoming a better leader also requires greater self-awareness to strengthen your relationships with others. Flood mentions that, “…it also adds to one’s emotional intelligence. I think we need to remember to be nimble and remember to master verbal communication strategies, which of course helps the mindset and helps you become a better leader. When people are self-aware, they understand their strengths and their challenges, and that’s what helps them thrive.”
Assertive leaders must also be vulnerable, which means being their authentic selves. Flood adds, “Remember, assertive communication is a journey and we’re all looking to change our behavior. It’s okay to do this scared, that nobody is perfect. But, as we all continue on our lifelong journey, building our skills is important.”
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Terri Flood
Vice President of Business Development at Wayne Healthcare |
MJ Clark
Vice President for Integrated Leadership Systems |
Learning More
- To hear more from Terri Flood and MJ Clark, click here to listen to their recent SHSMD Rapid Insights podcast episode which serves as a preview of their presentation topic at this year’s SHSMD Connections conference Sept 10-14.
- Register ASAP for SHSMD Connections 2022 in-person conference September 11-14 in the DC area to attend this breakout session, “Assertive Communication for Health Care Leaders”.