Page 132 - Leadership Lessons of the White House Fellows

LEADERS ARE GREAT COMMUNICATORS

The leadership trait of communication is critical to almost every task.
Leadership is about influencing others, and this cannot be achieved with-
out the ability to communicate. Effective communication is such an
obvious component of successful leadership that it is often overlooked. But
not by Colin Powell, who strongly encourages aspiring leaders to master
the English language in reading, writing, and speaking. “The English lan-
guage is the way you gain and communicate knowledge,” he said, “and if
you’re going to be successful, you must master its use.”
Through decades of effective leadership, Colin Powell became a world-
class communicator by becoming a master of language and practicing tried-
and-true techniques for making his point in an informative and, if cir-
cumstances permitted, entertaining way. He learned how to use words to
form connections with people, because he instinctively knew that the great-
est leaders are those who understand that what matters most is how they
make people feel.
Once you master the ability to influence individuals intuitively by first
connecting with them, and then choosing words that are impactful to carry
your message, you need then to figure out how to communicate to a larger
audience. Always keep in mind that your actions truly speak louder than
your words. Marty Evans demonstrated that holding the right people
accountable delivers an unspoken message to the entire organization of
what will not be tolerated and raises everyone to a higher standard. Lead-
ers who strive for greatness work hard to master the art of communication
in all its forms.

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