Communicating as a Leader

Posted December 2nd, 2010 in Leadership by admin

Have you ever wondered why you have been successful as a leader? If there was one competency that contributed to your leadership success – what would it be?

I’m wondering what your reaction would be if I said that one of the most effective leadership competencies is communication. Let’s take it a step further with the idea that the most effective part of communication is listening! I enjoy the thought that with the ratio of two ears to one mouth, we should listen twice as much as we speak.

I remember, as a manager, going into meetings with supervisors regarding resource allocations. It required a lot of restraint on my part to not participate actively in the conversation but to step back and really listen to what was being said. I was able to limit my conversation to asking questions and getting clarification. When I did provide my thoughts at the end, people felt they had been listened to and were much more supportive of a decision – even if it didn’t follow their recommendation.

A few quotes on this topic that ring true for me are:

  • the ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people – Woodrow Wilson
  • silence is a source of great strength – Lao Tzu

So, the next time, in your leadership role that you wish to say something, ask yourself – is this a time to listen or a time to speak?

NuStride welcomes your comments – just click on the title of any of the blogs and a comments section will appear at the bottom of the page.

Feeling Reinvigorated

Posted October 11th, 2010 in Uncategorized by admin

How have you reinvigorated yourself? What did it take to find that feeling? I have to say that I’m finding that feeling for me and NuStride. After having a great summer and some awesome family time, I started re-branding NuStride with a new symbol, a redesigned website and new ideas for helping leaders move forward.

For me it has generated a lot of excitement but what has really happened? Well, going a little deeper, I found I met more new people, had a new look and learned over the past few months more about myself, my family and the people I work with. It’s generated a great deal of energy within and around me – and I think it’s been tied to the learning side of my development. That has created more fun in my life! I’m on a roll so watch out!!

What has created the energy in your life lately? What can you do to become reinvigorated? I would love to hear what you are doing to continue moving forward!