Refreshingly real talk on leadership, people & communication by Liz Atkin
Smooth Leadership
Above all else, leadership is about getting things done through other people – at the right time, in the right way with the right results. It starts with vision, strategy, direction and planning which are somewhat within your control. But the actual implementation, the ‘doing’ part, sits in the hands (and minds) of many different people and teams. And this is where your being in control can start to slip. The on-the-ground execution of any strategy will succeed or fail on the strength of your leadership communication.
And by communication, I don’t just mean the sharing and cascading of information. I mean real, effective communication that resonates, gets through to people – connecting them both intellectually and emotionally with organisational purpose, business strategy and team goals. So that they are just as invested as you are to make it work.
It’s unlikely to be a smooth experience 100% of the time. But what a whack of dopamine when it does go right – when a plan has actually gone to plan. The feel-good factor across teams dials up, and the appetite for more becomes contagious.
How often does that happen for you? Teams fully prepped, on the same page, sleeves rolled up, motivated to work together so the plan runs as smooth as a barista’s first pour of the day?
Of course, the reality is that perfect scenarios are rare, but you don’t want to end up as one of those ‘failed’ statistics either – yet another case study littered with missed deadlines, budget overruns and muddied reputation. Yet these are the very risks you take if you don’t plan your communication in advance. Because in the absence of cohesive communication, you’re entrusting success to telepathy.
Obvious? Yes. But the obvious is often overlooked (ironically because of its nature). Communication is the leadership tool. And although we like to think we’re pretty good at it, the people at the receiving end may beg to differ.
Not because they are idiots, irrational or obstructive, but because we’ve unconsciously assumed far too much – instinctively coming from our own perspective and knowledge base, and not theirs.
I get it, you’re busy. You simply don’t have time to think about message content, tone or consistency. You just need to say it, write it, click send. Job done, it’s over to them now. After all, they can always ask questions later.
But then they do. Ask questions. Lots of them.
Some come straight to you, but most go to different line managers to answer, or get passed around colleagues in the quest for clarity. Trouble is, that leads to a pick ‘n’ mix of assumptions and opinions for people to choose from.
And what influences their choice? Individual preference. It’s the safe human response when presented with vague, incomplete or unrelatable information, to choose to be influenced by the one that feels most comfortable and familiar.
Before you know it, that time you saved in the beginning – the earlier shortcut, where you skipped the ‘alignment piece’ (communication plan) – starts to bite.
Simply said, alignment through communication isn’t a luxury, it’s what makes smooth execution possible.
Get in touch for strategic support, tailored workshops and CPD sessions.
liz@refreshingcomms.co.uk