Page 37 - FLL Virtual Binder 2018

Language of Leaders
The art of communication is the language of leadership. (James Humes)
Accountable communication increases trust and credibility and dramatically reduces communication breakdown, costly mistakes, and disappointment in people. Most importantly, it will also increase morale and performance. But in order to do this, you must be willing to focus on how others respond to what you say, not on what you intended to say.
Accountable communication is being 100% responsible for how your words impact others. Leaders accept responsibility, not blame, for their impact on results and people.
Long after people forget what you said, they remember how you made them feel.
Good leaders answer these two questions before they speak: 1. WhatmessagedoIwanttosend?
2. HowdoIwantpeopletofeel?
Leaders use the language of:
• solutions not problems
• possibility not barriers
• positivity not negativity
Effective Leaders communicate in a way that influences others and creates a positive impact – not occasionally, but all the time.
Short Statements that Create a Positive Impact
“That’s the problem in a nutshell.”
Add: “Now it’s up to us to turn this around.”
“This is an issue we must address quickly.” Add: “I’m confident we can do this.”
Front Line Leadership Module: Communicate to Lead
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