You’ve heard the phrase that truth is stranger than fiction. I saw that recently in a company where I was working when one supervisor remarked, “We know communication is a problem, but the company is not going to discuss it with the employees.”
By contrast, effective leaders work on increasing the quantity and quality of their communication.
If you’re a manager, for example, some research from Eileen McDargh indicates that you should be spending 80% of your time, money, and energy communicating with your supervisors. And if it’s your job to communicate with front-line employees, it had better be face-to-face. Anything else is less than effective, and employees will complain about a “lack of communication” in your organization.
One of the best ways to enhance the quality of your communication is to give your total attention. Notice the color of the other person’s eyes as you shake hands. You’ll establish great eye contact as you communicate real interest.
At a reception following a business seminar, one man seemed to attract more attention and respect from others than anybody else in the room. This led one executive to ask another, “What’s his secret?” “Watch his eyes,” said the other. “When someone speaks, his eyes never leave theirs. He listens with rapt attention. That’s the secret. He knows that even if a person isn’t a charming conversationalist, he can be a big hit as a charmed listener.”
Would your teammates say that about you?