Communication skills are sometimes viewed as bonus skills. If you know how to communicate well, it’s a plus but not necessarily crucial to the job. This kind of thinking can hold you back. That’s because strong communication is vital whether you’re handling objections, delivering difficult news to your team or inspiring a hesitant prospect to say yes. The way you communicate with others can either build momentum or slow you down.
Marlene Chism, a well-respected consultant, author and speaker, says communication is actually a hard skill hiding in plain sight. You need this skill to drive clarity, accountability and performance. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share some of Chism’s best guidance for improving your communication skills as a leader.
1. Remember that communication is a tool. Don’t lean too heavily on your experience and promo expertise. You also need to be able to navigate complexity through conversation, Chism says. This means learning how to deal with people who are emotionally underdeveloped, reactive or impatient.
2. Manage your narrative. Your decision-making begins in your head, Chism says. To lead effectively, you need to control what you tell yourself. Clarity on the inside leads to clarity on the outside.
3. Use language to create the future. Want to know what kind of culture exists at your promo company? Listen to the conversations. Chism says if you hear people talking about what’s next and what needs to change, you’re building a culture of growth. However, if discussions revolve around blame and complaints, drama is sure to follow.
4. Embody core values. Most organizations value things like integrity, compassion and excellence. But ask employees how those values show up at work, and Chism says you’ll likely get blank stares. This is because values aren’t practiced. They don’t show up in conversations or appear in feedback. To align values with culture, leaders must embody core values.
5. Lead instead of avoid. It’s easier to avoid conflict in the moment, but it’ll cost you. The fallout could be a resignation, declining morale or a lawsuit, Chism says. Don’t overestimate the benefit of silence or underestimate the price of avoidance.
Strategic communication is one of the most important skills you can master. It doesn’t matter if you run a solo promo operation or work on a large team, communication is how you strengthen relationships and move deals forward.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Marlene Chism is the founder and CEO of Marlene Chism Consulting. A consultant, author and international speaker, she works with C-suite leaders to build drama-free cultures.
