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Copyright 2004ã weLEAD, Inc.
Communication
Skills for a Group Leader

One of the most important roles
of a leader is to engage in clear and constructive communication with others. This
is especially true when working with committees or groups. Leadership is a
multi-faceted task that relies on strong communication skills. Here are seven
communication skills for a group leader in today’s complex business
environment.
1. Know
how to keep a discussion general when necessary, rather than specific and
personal. Unfortunately many discussions
evolve into becoming personal with accusations or even “name calling”. Some
individuals desire to criticize others in an effort to draw attention away from
the real issues. Don’t be afraid to remind the speaker that the major goal of problem solving is to
analyze what is wrong, rather than who is wrong. Someone’s performance, or
lack of it may be an important issue but it should also be a separate issue.
2. Know
how to deal with errors in statement of fact.
It is common for people to “shoot from the hip” in an effort to support their
own personal agenda or to encourage an emotional response from you. Before you
react, be sure to ask where the information has come from. Ask how reliable the
speaker believes it is. Gently challenge them if you feel suspicious of the
validity. If you later find the information to be in error, patiently remind
the speaker that factual errors can lead to poor decision making or lost
opportunities. If you find that an individual routinely communicates lies or errors in a deliberate manner, it is
time to sternly remind them of their ethical
responsibilities.
3. Know
how to relate action to discussion. An old
motto states that, “When all is said and done, much more will be said than is
ever done”. Many committees are notorious for recommending ideas that never
turn into action. Make sure that you end meetings
with action items. Give assignments to various individuals and deadlines for
action items to be achieved. Discussion is a valuable asset but it must be
translated into action to achieve
real results. If your task as a committee is to provide recommendations along
with findings, clearly specify the actions
the committee recommends.
4. Know
how to stimulate discussion among individuals who are shy or not articulate. Certain people are not gifted in speech. This may be the result
of personality, lack of esteem or fear from past negative experiences. Yet,
these individuals often have much to contribute in sound ideas and comments.
Make an effort to help them feel comfortable within an environment that
respects and values their comments. Do not
allow others to ridicule or chide them because of their lack of verbal
communication skills. Allow them to write down their comments in the form of a
report if they prefer. Ask open ended questions that require some explanation from them rather than a
simple “yes or no” answer.
5. Know
how and when to summarize. There comes a point in a
discussion where valid and necessary information has been exchanged. Beyond
this point it can simply become rehashing
everything that has already been discussed. This can quickly develop into the
proverbial “beating the dead horse”. When you sense this occurring it is time
to summarize. Take the major ideas
expressed and encapsulate them into a brief and logical outline. There comes a
point in all communication when it is
time to move on!
6. Know
how to control the discussion monopolizer.
Almost every group or committee has at least one individual who attempts to
monopolize all discussion. When this occurs it is time to take action. Go
around the room and say, “I would like everyone individually to comment on
this”. If the monopolizer interrupts, patiently ask them not to do so and go
back to the person who was speaking. If the interruptions continue use humor to
get the monopolizer to see the need of
allowing others to speak. If necessary talk to them privately and ask them to
respect the ability of others to also express their views. Remind them that
people were given two ears and only one mouth for a good reason.
7. Know
how to deal with hecklers. Ever have someone who
can’t seem to stop themselves from making offensive “wisecracks” to others or
use sarcasm excessively to deride others? Don’t accept it for long! It can have
a serious influence on the morale of others. It can also be hurtful and cause
positive contributors to withdraw from making comments or offering ideas. Talk
to this person privately and plainly help them to understand you do not find
this behavior to be acceptable. If this doesn’t work, you may have to repeat
this lecture to them in a group setting after they make another “wisecrack”.
Let everyone know that you have a good sense of humor, but when it comes to
offending others with hurtful remarks, one has definitely crossed the line of
acceptable behavior.
For weLEAD, this is Greg
Thomas reminding you that it was Abraham Lincoln who said, “Everyone likes
a compliment.”
On
the weLEAD Website you will
find over 70 other free helpful leadership
tips. They are all available in a text version or as an MP3 audio!