Shawn Shewchuk  

As you know, businesses revolve around people. The level of success attained by any organization regardless of size or structure, is dependent upon the individuals that are tasked with driving that company forward.

Some time ago, I was sitting in the office of the president of a large company, during our conversation one of his staff came to the door of his office, politely knocked and proceeded to ask a question that she felt was important, all the while offering apologies for the interruption. The response she received from the company president, in response to her interruption, was to say the least shocking, counterproductive and extremely unprofessional. He turned to me and stated, “look what I have to put up with.” I was not surprised then, when he informed me that the company employee attrition rate was extremely high.

True leaders know that effective communication skills are one of the keys to achieving the desired results. Successful leaders are knowledgeable, and are able of effectively articulating to their teams the objectives desired. Leaders are achievers and in most instances instinctively know what level of influence is essential realizing their goals and aspirations.

Communication is a relatively broad term; a leader and communicator is or should be skilled at dealing with a diverse assortment of challenges, including conflict. Leaders are aware of what triggers conflict and should be aware of the steps necessary to impact an outcome. Leaders are required to transcend a situation, to be sentient and able to respond, in many scenarios before anyone else is even aware of forthcoming obstacle or difficulty.

The art of communication, although likely one of the most important talents that a leader can possess, is usually taken for granted. You cannot lead a team if you can’t communicate effectively with those people on your team. Just because someone holds a position, doesn’t make them a great leader. A title should not the motivation for someone to follow you! Ask yourself this question: Why do people follow me? Is it because they have to, or because they want to.

Remember this; you cannot lead anyone, until you can first lead yourself!

You already have the talent and ability to be an effective and powerful communicator! You have been given the ability to develop your leadership skills! What are you going to do with these phenomenal and extraordinary faculties that you have been gifted with? You do have a choice, you can develop them or ignore them, and allow them to deteriorate.

I am often asked the question, “where do I start?” Here is the answer: You have the ability to accept any thought or idea that enters your subconscious mind. What are you permitting to enter? Make a decision to manage what you accept. The second part of the answer is it that you are focusing on? Whatever you are focusing on will have a dramatic influence on your outcome as a leader.

Great communicators are great leaders, it therefore stands to reason that they are easily recognizable to those around them, as successful. People want to follow and emulate someone who is successful.