I want to focus this post on communication, a topic I have devoted previous posts to and a topic that cannot be emphasized enough to those of us who would grow our leadership capabilities to next levels. In this specific post, I will quote Kevin Eikenberry. The quote, which appeared in his book Remarkable Leadership, is as follows, “Communicating powerfully isn’t about being glib or an exceptional conversationalist. It isn’t about using the right words at the right time or having a great vocabulary. Communicating powerfully is about being able to ‘share or make common.’ As a leader, when you ‘make common,’ you are forming a connection between you and those with whom you are communicating and forming a community based on common meaning.”
Eikenberry, who I find remarkable in his ability to simplify even very complex concepts, points in this quote to several keys in communicating effectively. I always admire those who can speak eloquently about absolutely anything and at the drop of a hat, but all too often a retrospective contemplation of what was shared leaves me less impressed. Speaking without substance … almost simply to be heard, does not contribute to the community of thought and often dilutes the discussion of the moment, yet many of us do precisely this on a regular basis. It is almost as if we feel that if we do not speak to something we will be thought unknowing or unable to form a contributing thought.
Speaking to issues is important and a critically important aspect of being a leader … at any level. But, it is important that one’s contributions truly contribute to the discussion at hand … that one’s words have substance and purpose. And this is where I will share an anonymous quote that is included in Linda Picone’s The Daily Book of Positive Quotations, “There’s nothing wrong with having nothing to say – unless you insist on saying it.” And I will also quote Helen Gurley Brown, “Never fail to know that if you are doing all the talking, you are boring somebody.”
And this is a good time in which to resurface a quote from John C. Maxwell’s book The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, wherein he states that “leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence.” Much like Eikenberry, Maxwell guides us to connect with those who would follow us … to rally a response or action. But that can only happen when both the leader and the follower are working together … are on the same page. And this only happens when communications are clear and understandable, are substantive, and have meaning. Add to this the passion that accompanies a true belief in what one is promoting, and the response should be synergistic and effective.
Leadership is much more than having one’s voice heard, it is about communicating the issue or directive of the moment clearly, effectively, and believably. This is what rallies people to take action … to make a greater difference.
Author Cross-references:
Helen Gurley Brown: None
Kevin Eikenberry: Also see posts 9/15/09, 1/4/10
John C. Maxwell: Also see posts 12/8/08, 6/5/09, 6/26/09, 3/29/10
Key Word Cross-references:
Communication/Effective Speaking: Also see posts 12/12/08, 3/4/09, 5/17/09, 6/26/09, 7/7/09, 9/9/09, 12/5/09, 1/4/10, 1/29/10, 2/24/10
Synergy: Also see post 2/19/09, 2/24/10
on Leadership ... by Steven Davis, CAE 
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