Leadership & Strong Communication Skills

August 30, 2020

Did you know that strong communication skills are the #1 most demanded soft skill that employers are looking for in their employees and is the language of leaders? According to a Gallup Poll, 91% of employers “agree that to achieve success at their companies, a candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically and communicate clearly, is more important than his or her undergraduate major.” Great communicators are leaders who bring solutions, drive change, motivate and inspire! Whether it’s via Zoom, email, social media, phone or in-person, becoming an effective communicator in business is crucial to your success.

Why Develop Soft Skills in 2020?

Corporate recruiters from around the world continue to list strong communication skills as a top skill employers are seeking. A few of the most important statistics on developing communication skills in the workplace are as follows:

I find it very interesting that 77% of employers say that soft skills are just as important as hard skills.
However, 60% of employers say that applicants are not demonstrating sufficient communication and interpersonal skills to be considered for jobs.
And, 57% of recruiters say interpersonal skills will grow in demand over the next five years.

So, why are soft skills the secret to your success in the workplace? Because, successfully pitching a new product idea to your boss or presenting a financial analysis to your company’s management team requires strong communication skills.

How to Influence Others by Listening

So, how do you become an effective communicator in business? Listen longer with respect, empathy and grace . Theodore Roosevelt is credited for saying, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” If people know that you care enough to understand what they feel, they will trust you with more of themselves–more of their concerns, feelings, ideas and dreams. If they feel they can be open with you, they will be far more open to you and your input. By applying this principle, you’ll become a more compelling person with more influence in others’ lives.

Seek First to Understand

A favorite author of mine, Stephen R. Covey states, “In empathic listening, you do listen with your ears, but more importantly you also listen with your eyes and with your heart. You listen for feeling, for meaning. You listen for behavior. You use your right brain as well as your left. You sense, you intuit, you feel.” People will be more interested in what you have to offer, if you first show interest in them, and really seek to understand them. How do you manifest this trait? By remembering details that is shared with you. It shows that you are listening. It means even more when you remember those details from one conversation to the next and ask about the things they were interested in the last time you spoke. People want to be listened to and they want people around who will listen.

Action Step #1

The following are a few ways to develop and strengthen your listening skills. First, take notes once you leave their presence. You can jot notes on the back of their business card or create a Client File and track each conversation you have with a specific client. Take note where and when it took place and list specific details you want to remember. Then, review those details before you meet them the next time, and you will strengthen their trust as they realize you are more interested in who they are and less about serving a particular agenda.

Action Step #2

Another suggestion is to ask fifteen questions per day. I know, you are saying to yourself, what? Please hear me out. The most important five are to your family or those closest to you. Sure, ask about their day, but go deeper. Ask them about what made them laugh or perhaps what made them cry. Ask them about a lesson they learned or a person they met whom they liked.

The next five are for the people with whom you work on a regular basis.

Finally, the last five questions are for your digital space–Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, emails, blogs, etc. Read others posts and messages closely; comment or reply with questions, and do it for at least five different people every day. Ask more questions in your posts and updates. You may be surprised at how many people respond. Let’s make it a priority to listen and learn. The power of listening is the power of giving people what they most desire–to be heard and understood.

My greatest triumph is when you triumph! Please contact me and let’s have a conversation on how I may serve you to create a distinguishing trademark through your interpersonal skills. Until next time . . .

Your partner in success,

Cathi