In our previous articles, we discussed why communication matters for leaders and some leadership principles and concepts related to it. Today, we will be sharing some tools, resources, and recommendations that can help you enhance your communication skills and apply them in different situations as a leader.
Communication is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice and feedback.
However, sometimes you may need some guidance, support, or inspiration to communicate effectively and confidently. Here are some tools, resources, and recommendations that can help you with that:
- Productivity tools. Productivity tools are software applications or platforms that can help you communicate more efficiently and effectively with your team and stakeholders. Some examples are Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and Asana. These tools can help you communicate in real-time or asynchronously, using text, audio, video, or other formats. They can also help you organise, manage, and track your communication tasks and projects. As a leader, you need to use productivity tools that suit your communication needs and preferences and that are compatible with your team and stakeholders. You also need to use them wisely and responsibly and avoid communication overload or distraction.
- Decision-making tools. Decision-making tools are frameworks or methods that can help you communicate your decisions more clearly and logically with your team and stakeholders. Some examples are the RAPID model, the SWOT analysis, the Decision Matrix, and the Pros and Cons list. These tools can help you structure your decision-making process and communicate the rationale, criteria, alternatives, and outcomes of your decisions. They can also help you solicit and incorporate feedback and input from your team and stakeholders in your decision-making. As a leader, you need to use decision-making tools that suit your style and situation and that are transparent and inclusive.
- Frameworks. Frameworks are models or structures that can help you present your ideas, messages, or stories more effectively and persuasively with your team and stakeholders. Some examples are the STAR method, the Pyramid Principle, the Hook Model, and the Hero’s Journey. These frameworks can help you organise, present, and deliver your message in a way that captures the attention, interest, and action of your audience. They can also help you communicate with clarity, coherence, and impact. As a leader, you need to use frameworks that suit your communication purpose and audience and that are relevant and engaging.
- Books. Books are sources of knowledge and wisdom that can help you improve your communication skills and learn from the best practices and experiences of other leaders. Some examples are How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler, and Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo. These books can help you communicate with more confidence, charisma, and influence and handle difficult or crucial conversations with ease and grace. As a leader, you need to read books that can inspire and challenge you to communicate better and that can provide you with practical tips and techniques that you can apply in your communication situations and contexts.
- Podcasts. Podcasts are audio programs that can help you learn and grow as a leader and communicator. Some examples are The Art of Communication by Gregor Jeffrey, The Leader’s Voice by Amy Jen Su and Muriel Maignan Wilkins, and The Communication Guys by Tim Downs and Dr. Tom Barrett. These podcasts can help you discover and develop your communication style, voice, and presence, and overcome common communication challenges and pitfalls. As a leader, you need to listen to podcasts that can educate and entertain you and that can offer you valuable insights and advice from experts and practitioners in the field of communication.
- Videos. Videos are visual and auditory media that can help you enhance your skills and learn from the best examples and models of communication. Some examples are TED Talks, YouTube videos, and online courses. These videos can help you learn from the communication skills and strategies of successful leaders, speakers, and influencers and see how they communicate their ideas, messages, and stories with impact and persuasion. As a leader, you need to watch videos that can motivate and inspire you and that can show you how to communicate with clarity, coherence, and charisma.
These are some of the tools, resources, and recommendations that can help you enhance your communication skills and apply them in different situations as a leader. Of course, there are many more, and we encourage you to explore and find the ones that suit your communication needs and preferences. However, remember that the most important tool, resource, and recommendation for communication is yourself. You are the one who can make the difference in your communication and in your leadership.
We hope you enjoyed this series of articles on communication and that you found them useful and helpful. We would love to hear your feedback and comments, as well as how you are applying what you learned in your communication situations and contexts. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us.
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