What do you do if your communication skills as a leader in Philanthropy are lacking?

Communication is a key skill for any leader, especially in the field of philanthropy, where you need to inspire, persuade, and collaborate with various stakeholders. However, not everyone feels confident or effective in their communication abilities. If you are one of them, don't worry. There are some practical steps you can take to improve your communication skills as a leader in philanthropy.

1 Assess your strengths and weaknesses

The first step is to identify your communication strengths and weaknesses. You can do this by asking for feedback from your peers, mentors, or coaches, or by taking a self-assessment tool such as the Communication Styles Inventory. This will help you understand your preferred communication style, how you communicate under stress, and how you can adapt to different situations and audiences.

Add your perspective

Nicholas Gulick, MS, ACC, CFRE

Empowerment Coach | Director of Development at OZ Arts | Past President of Nashville Pride | Relationship Builder | Strategic Leadership Consultant | Communication Consultant | Learning & Development
Report contribution
Seek Feedback: Ask peers, mentors, or coaches for honest feedback on your communication style. They can provide valuable insights into areas where you excel and where you may need improvement. Self-Assessment Tools: Utilize self-assessment tools to gain a deeper understanding of your preferred communication style, how you communicate under stress, and how you can adapt to different situations and audiences. This would provide a structured framework for evaluating your communication skills objectively. Reflect on Past Experiences: Reflect on past experiences, both positive and negative, to identify patterns and areas for growth.

Like

2 Learn from the best

The second step is to learn from the best communicators in your field. You can do this by reading their books, articles, or blogs, watching their videos or podcasts, or attending their events or webinars. You can also reach out to them and ask for advice or mentorship. Try to observe how they use language, tone, body language, and storytelling to convey their messages and engage their listeners.

Add your perspective

Debbie Haski-Leventhal

Purpose Leader | Inspirational speaker | Best-selling author | Awarded Professor of CSR | MBA Director | TED Speaker
Report contribution
While it's important to observe and learn from other outstanding speakers, it is also critical to keep your authentic voice and style. Public speaking gets exponentially better over time. So, see what you need to work on, learn from others, and bring your whole self to it.

Like

3 Practice and refine

The third step is to practice and refine your communication skills. You can do this by setting specific and measurable goals, such as giving a presentation, writing a proposal, or leading a meeting. You can also join a communication club or group, such as Toastmasters, where you can get constructive feedback and support from other members. You can also use online tools or apps, such as Grammarly, Hemingway, or Lumen5, to improve your writing or speaking skills.

Add your perspective

4 Seek feedback and improvement

The fourth step is to seek feedback and improvement. You can do this by asking for honest and constructive feedback from your colleagues, partners, donors, or beneficiaries, or by using surveys, polls, or analytics to measure the impact of your communication. You can also review your own communication performance and identify what worked well and what needs improvement. You can also seek professional development opportunities, such as courses, workshops, or coaching, to enhance your communication skills.

Add your perspective

5 Be authentic and empathetic

The fifth step is to be authentic and empathetic. You can do this by being yourself and expressing your passion, values, and vision for your philanthropic work. You can also be empathetic and respectful of your audience's needs, perspectives, and emotions. You can also use stories, examples, or testimonials to connect with your audience and show the impact of your philanthropic work.

Add your perspective

Annie Forster

Health And Social Care Professional.Qualified Councillor Senior Palliative Care Nursing Assistant TeamLeader Autism & Special Needs Disabilities Safe Guarding Adults& Children QCF NCC NHSEL LCCE IOA Qualified
Report contribution
Nobody is the master at communicating we all have our different ways. Some are not as forward or as confident as others. When people are struggling or lack the skills to talk even me I would look at where I'm going wrong because I'm constantly putting myself in others place trying to show as much care and understanding as I can that I at times lack my own confidence. What makes it worse when over confident people make you feel worse because your unable to get across what your really trying to say and instead you fumble and go silent.I would ask some one that knows me to point out where I'm lacking and where I need to improve my skills in communication.

Like

6 Keep learning and growing

The sixth step is to keep learning and growing. You can do this by staying curious and open-minded about new communication trends, tools, and techniques. You can also seek new challenges and opportunities to communicate with different people and contexts. You can also celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your progress in your communication journey.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What do you do if your communication skills as a leader in Philanthropy are lacking?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your strengths and weaknesses

2 Learn from the best

3 Practice and refine

4 Seek feedback and improvement

5 Be authentic and empathetic

6 Keep learning and growing

7 Here’s what else to consider

Philanthropy

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Philanthropy

More relevant reading

What do you do if your communication skills as a leader in Philanthropy are lacking?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your strengths and weaknesses

2 Learn from the best

3 Practice and refine

4 Seek feedback and improvement

5 Be authentic and empathetic

6 Keep learning and growing

7 Here’s what else to consider

Philanthropy

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills