3 ways to show effective Communication as a leader

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Communication is at the core of great leadership, yet it remains one of the most challenging aspects of working with and leading others.

This week, I am joined by Stephanie Geier of Being Me Better to explore the complexities of communication and how it shapes leadership. Together, we’ll unpack how servant leadership—an approach that prioritizes people over power—relies on three fundamental principles: curiosity, intention, and simplicity.

When leaders embrace these elements, they foster trust, engagement, and clarity, ensuring that their message not only resonates but inspires action. Let’s dive in.

Showing Leadership as a Servant Leader:

• The Power of Curiosity, Intention, and Simplicity

In today’s world, true leadership isn’t about exerting power—it’s about serving others. Servant leadership is an approach that prioritizes the needs of the team, ensuring that each individual has the support and resources to thrive. One of the most effective ways to embody this leadership style is through the way we communicate. Strong communication fosters trust, collaboration, and shared vision. But how do we communicate in a way that aligns with servant leadership? Three key principles guide the way: curiosity, intention, and simplicity.

To effectively embrace servant leadership, we must first examine how we communicate. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through curiosity, intention, and simplicity.

1. Curiosity: Listening to Understand, Not to Respond

Curiosity is at the heart of servant leadership. A leader who is genuinely curious about their team’s thoughts, challenges, and aspirations fosters a culture of trust and openness.

Instead of jumping to conclusions or imposing solutions, a curious leader asks insightful questions and actively listens. Communication with Curiosity:

• Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper conversations.
• Listen without interrupting, making room for honest dialogue.
• Show genuine interest in the perspectives and challenges of your team members.
• Approach feedback sessions as learning opportunities rather than performance critiques.

Explore Various Communication Mediums: Practicing communication across different platforms, such as in-person, email, and virtual meetings, to become versatile.

Empathy helps you see things from another person’s perspective, sympathize with their emotions, and build stronger relationships. By developing empathy, you can improve your ability to relate to others and create more meaningful social interactions.

When a leader embraces curiosity, they create an environment where people feel heard and valued, leading to stronger relationships and a more engaged team.

Listening is just the first step; the next is ensuring that our communication has purpose and alignment.

2. Intention: Leading with Purpose and Clarity

Effective servant leaders communicate with intention. Every conversation, message, and decision should be aligned with a clear purpose. Without intention, messages can become unclear, and teams may struggle to find direction. When a leader speaks with purpose, they inspire confidence and clarity.

Communication with Intention:

• Be clear about your goals and expectations before communicating.
• Ensure your words align with your values and the organization’s mission.
• Be mindful of tone and body language—non-verbal cues often speak louder than words.
• Reinforce key messages to ensure alignment and understanding.

Be mindful of nonverbal communication: Recognize that facial expressions, gestures, and body language can convey more than words. Ensure your nonverbal cues are neutral and intentional.

Develop a workplace communication strategy: Establish a framework for how information is shared within your organization. This ensures that everyone receives the correct information at the right time.

Prepare ahead of time: Thorough preparation is key. Research supporting information, anticipate questions or criticisms, and plan your responses to communicate confidently.

By implementing these strategies, leaders can improve their communication skills, leading to greater success for their organizations and their careers.

Intentional communication ensures clarity, but complexity can still create barriers. That’s where simplicity comes in.

3. Simplicity: Making Communication Accessible and Impactful

Complexity can be a barrier to effective leadership. A great servant leader knows that simplicity in communication makes it easier for teams to understand, absorb, and act on information. Overcomplicated messages can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and misalignment. Simplicity, on the other hand, fosters clarity and action.

How to Communicate with Simplicity:

• Avoid Chatter and overly complex explanations.
• Focus on the core message—what’s most important for your team to understand?
• Use clear and concise language to minimize misunderstandings.
• Repeat key ideas to reinforce clarity and alignment.

A leader who communicates simply and effectively reduces barriers, ensures alignment, and helps their team stay focused on what truly matters.

When leaders communicate with curiosity, intention, and simplicity, they foster an environment where teams feel empowered and engaged.

The Servant Leader’s Commitment

Servant leadership isn’t about holding authority over others—it’s about elevating those around you. By communicating with curiosity, intention, and simplicity, you create an environment of trust, empowerment, and purpose. Your team will not only feel valued but will also be inspired to contribute their best work. True leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about creating space for growth, collaboration, and collective success.

Are you ready to lead with service and impact? Start by listening with curiosity, speaking with intention, and simplifying your message. Your team will thank you for it.

Resources

Being Me Better – Steph’s Website check it out!

https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/8-ways-you-can-improve-your-communication-skills

https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/communication/effective-communication

https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/communication-skills

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