Login
iscover
Communication is one of the most critical skill sets you require as a leader. And it’s not communicating by hiding behind a keyboard, or only when things are wrong. It is the constant, everyday conversations that make the most impact.
I don’t know how many of you watch the Apple series, Ted Lasso; if you don’t, you must. The show is about an American football coach who finds himself in the UK, coaching a soccer team.
I started watching it, curious as it had great reviews, and now I am binging it and soaking in the leadership lessons.
Lasso is an extremely positive character, even when the entire football ground is calling him a wanker (you need to watch the show) — yet he still manages to have a smile on his face.
Lasso is focused on long-term goals. However, he is also very realistic about the talent of his players; he understands what they are insecure about and what their long-term goals are. And because he does, he can provide feedback that supports them and ensures they believe in themselves and the team’s goals.
He is comfortable being open and vulnerable and is an awesome communicator. He is curious, wants to learn more and has almost an annoyingly positive outlook on life.
Some of the lessons on this show are about being curious rather than judgemental, asking better questions, being a goldfish, not dwelling on our mistakes but rather learning from them and teamwork makes great work.
Communication from a CEO, director, team leader, or manager can make or break that team. It is so much easier when everyone is in the office to have a conversation while making coffee, walking past a desk and saying good morning. In your office, you can eyeball them, watch their body language and assess if you have gotten through.
This is much harder virtually. If you come across as confusing, nervous, and lacking confidence, people will lose confidence in your ability to lead.
Today’s leaders need to be able to communicate clearly to build a connection with the company values, goals, culture, and performance, not just when they are face to face but virtually as well.
You need to be present — “be where your feet are,” as Gilbert Enoka used to say. Listen actively. We all know how easy it is to get distracted virtually and keep everyone else connected to the conversation as well.
All this is not as easy as it sounds, especially today in a virtual world.
Listen to Sadhana’s latest episode of Future Fit Leadership here.
You are not authorised to post comments.
Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.