Page 92 - Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders

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Recognizing contributions
•
I want to tell you how much I appreciate the work you have been
doing for us. I know that you have been sacrificing personal time for
this project, and I want you to know that your effort has not gone
unnoticed.
Providing coaching GREAT COMMUNICATION SECRETS OF GREAT LEADERS
• You are working very hard for us. People are always telling me what
a hard worker you are. I want to give you some advice about how you
can become better. First, . . .
Brevity is the better part of valor with e-leadership messages. No one has
time to read a lengthy message, and if the message is too long, people proba-
bly will not read it at all.
Note: Be careful when you send. Check that you have clicked the correct
recipient. Do not copy people on e-coaching sessions. To do so may be a vio-
lation of trust between you and the employee.

FACILITATING TWO-WAY E-COMMUNICATIONS
Think of virtual communications as a great way for leader and employee to have
a conversation. While nothing can, or should, replace the dynamism of the face-
to-face conversation, virtual communications through email is an effective way
for the leader to share his or her thoughts and to reiterate the leadership message,
provide guidance and direction, and keep abreast of changing conditions by lis-
tening to feedback. Email invites response. With the exception of broadcast
emails, which go to thousands, the email to a direct report typically carries with
it the demand for a response. The leader needs to know, “Did you understand
what I wrote?” and the leader needs to hear, “Yes, and let me offer my thoughts
on this.” When used in this way, email facilitates dialogue.
If both sides pay attention to what the other is saying (and keep in mind
that the leader is communicating with more than one follower), you increase
the capacity for trust to develop, which should always be the ultimate outcome
of leadership communications.

BUILDING A WEB-BASED E-COMMUNITY
A web site devoted to leadership topics can be an invaluable resource for
refreshing or extending the leadership message. The site can serve not only as