Ground Your Communication
Communication can float off into the land of unreceived if not careful. I have coached many leaders who have vital things to say but haven’t mastered the art of delivering it. The more tension builds up, the harder it is to communicate effectively. Too many times people’s words are not validated because they seem random and vague. A leader needs to communicate with validation and wisdom. Fortunately, there is a specific way to do this…but unfortunately, not many people do it. You have to ground your communication. Just like an electrical current needs grounded so it doesn’t become harmful, so our communication has to be grounded. It needs to be grounded in truth and validation. Let me give you some simple examples of how to do this:
1) Use Quotes
Before you make a statement, ground it with a quote from someone who your industry respects. This helps people receive what you’re about to say and sets up your comment with reason and wisdom. For example, you might lead into a statement with, “I read that Steve Jobs once said, ‘I’m as proud of many of the things we haven’t done as the things we have done. Innovation is saying no to a thousand things.’ I think the project x is taking our focus off of what we need to be doing to move the company forward.” Bringing in a respected voice to your communication not only makes you come across as informed but also validated.
2) Use Books/Resources
Before you make a statement ground it with a principle or a concept you recently read about that pertains to the situation. Be specific about what book it is and the reference you are making. Say something like, “In Patrick Lencioni’s book on The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, he talks about teams needing to be vulnerable. In fact, it’s one of the biggest reasons teams aren’t successful. So in light of that, I want us to have a vulnerable discussion about project x. And I want us to say the things we are all feeling but not saying.” Simply grounding your input with a principle that is tried and
3) Use Their Words
Use people’s words back on them. Pick up on the specific words they are saying and the phrases they use. This will give you insight into what they value and how they think. People can’t argue with something they have previously said. This technique helps ground what you’re saying with them personally. For example, if a boss has said we need to be more visionary and creative with our product. And you have an idea that will take the product to a new level but will require spending capitol say something like, “You mentioned we need to be more visionary and creative with our products. So, I took that to heart and have an idea that will do exactly what you want…and it’s going to require us to financially invest more than we have. Here’s what it is…” When you use people’s words back on them it has a powerful effect. People feel accountable for things they’ve said publically, so use that to your advantage.
If you follow these tips to ground your communication, you’re going to be much more effective. Your words will start to carry more weight with them and it will help grow your influence. Leaders have to be great communicators if they’re going to get things done.
