Encyclopedia of Leadership

HOW TO USE THIS LEADERSHIP TOOL

“Resist the urge to stop communicating. Just because you have said it a million times doesn’t mean it’s been

heard that many times. You can get tired of your voice long before you’re understood or believed.”

—Ron George, CEO, Suncor Energy

As a leader, you need to make it a high priority to communicate with your workgroup and

direct reports, regardless of your level in the management structure. Think of a specific com-

munication challenge you presently face or will need to handle in the near future. Use the

worksheet provided to describe the situation; to plan the steps you will take to ensure your

communication helps employees to fully understand the business needs; and to commit to

meeting business goals.

WEB WORKSHEET

SECTION 8 TOOLS FORCOMMUNICATION 237

C– Changes taking place

O– Objectives, business strategies

R– Reasons behind decisions

E– Effect on employees

D– Discuss details with employees.

I– Invite questions.

R– Recognize ideas, regardless of their source.

E– Enable others to act.

C– (Address) Changes openly.

T– Translate difficult information into easily understood language.

T– Trust comes from being candid and open with employees.

R– Recognize employee communication needs.

U– Usual behavior, predictable and consistent on your part, will gain you trust.

S– ”Sussing out values”: Employees deduce your values from your behavior.

T– Trust; don’t break confidentiality.

H– Honor others and what they have to say.

E– Echo what employees say to ensure you understand their intent.

A– Ask questions to engage employees.

R–Respond without becoming defensive.

O– Open to feedback: Demonstrate a willingness to listen.

P– Patience: Find time to meet with employees and hear their concerns.

E– Empathy: Walk in others’ shoes.

N –Needs of your direct reports: Provide information employees need to do their jobs.

Use COREto determine

what to communicate to

employees.

DIRECTshows you how

to communicate

information in a straight-

forward and two-way

manner.

TRUSTunderlies all

communication.

HEARis a tool to improve

listening skills.

Keep the communication

channels OPEN.

Communication

factors How to’s

The communication challenge (the situation):