Being a leader is much more than just having the title. A practical or good leader is a good communicator who knows how to manage people, solve problems and make decisions. The best leaders are those who realize that success comes from their followers, not just themselves.
One of the essential skills a good manager can have is good communication skills. No matter how good your ideas or strategies might be, no one will understand if one cannot communicate them properly to their employees. A good communicator makes their thoughts and ideas clear to those they are trying to communicate with and can influence them into doing what is necessary.
Speaking clearly and consciously, listening actively, and asking relevant questions that enable others to understand their message more fully, choosing the right words to convey a specific meaning; are all characteristics of good communicators.
Speaking is not the only thing that makes a good communicator. Good communication also requires good listening skills and an ability to ask relevant questions to make sure one has adequately understood what another person is saying. This includes asking clarifying questions when necessary, paraphrasing, or repeating what you have heard from another person in your own words to make sure you understand what they meant.
Good communication also means that when giving instructions, one communicates them clearly and concisely so that all involved can be confident that there is no confusion about the task at hand.
Effective communication is straightforward, not complicated, and convoluted. People tend to do better when they feel comfortable with what is going on around them. For one to communicate effectively, he must first understand his message and the way it will be received by those he is communicating with.
For a leader to become an effective communicator, he must put himself in another’s shoes and look at the situation from their point of view. If one cannot do this, he may find it challenging to communicate with his employees and co-workers about certain things.
An effective communicator also has a sense of humor, which allows them to diffuse tense and stressful situations and put others more at ease so they can focus on the work at hand.