"Hidden in Plain Sight: The Communication Pitfalls Even the Best Leaders Miss"

The relentless, head-spinning rhythm of the corporate world can, at times, engulf us. It can rob us of the quiet moments we need to genuinely reflect on our communication habits and practices. Regardless of how well-meaning we are, especially in the newly remote management of work teams, there exist all too common communication missteps that can completely derail your daily interactions as a leader.

Have you been committing one of these blunders without even realizing it?

Don't fret. Let's make this simple. Together, we're going to untangle this complex issue.

The first step is to bravely identify these slip-ups and take charge. The next move? To design a straightforward, actionable strategy for your daily communication. It's as simple as that.

But first things first, do you know the origin of the word communication?

Communication, as a word, blends two concepts.

The first is the act of sharing, in this case, information.

The second refers to the act of taking action.

Always remember, without sharing, there's no communication.

So, shall we take action and scrutinize some communication bad habits that could be muddying your leadership role?

"Hear No Evil": The Error of Ignoring Diverging Opinions

Problem: Successful leaders can often believe they're always right and seek constant approval from those around them. However, true leadership transcends this mindset. A leader rises because they've learned to accept diverging thoughts and not dismiss ideas that don't align with their own.

Solution: Listening is just as (or more) crucial than speaking for effective communication. A simple strategy to listen more is to always kick-off communication with a question.

"Speak No Evil": The Blunder of Speaking Too Soon (or Too Late)

Problem: Our current obsession with productivity and time-optimization can mislead us down the wrong leadership path. If we don't allow others to fully express their ideas, or alternatively, let situations pass without addressing them timely, we run the risk of snowballing issues that require significant energy to rectify.

Solution: Strive to identify the perfect moment to speak, showing neither excessive urgency nor risk hearing the complaint: "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"

"See No Evil": The Misstep of Presenting Your Vision Unconvincingly

Problem: Are you still giving presentations where everything you're about to say is written on the slide? Public speaking goes hand in hand with successful leadership practices. A crucial pillar of today's communication is expressing an idea convincingly within a short time frame.

Solution: Knowing how to sell ideas is a key skill in this volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. Remain humble and consistently improve your public speaking, regardless of how persuasive you think you already are. You're going to need it, so don't neglect this skill.

The One-Size-Fits-All Fallacy: Failing to Adapt Your Communication Style

Problem: Do you use the same communication style for everyone and every situation? It's exasperating when others don't understand or interpret your instructions correctly.

Solution: Adaptability is as necessary as the air we breathe. A successful leader should be authentic yet mindful of their communication style. Depending on the occasion, context, and people you manage, you'll need to tap into your altruistic, charismatic, or democratic side.

The Unforeseen Trap: Saying Yes to Everything (and Regretting It Later)

Problem: You say yes to everything because you don't want to let anyone down and feel obligated to handle anything thrown your way. Huge mistake.

Solution: It's vital to focus on as few tasks as possible if you're aiming for high quality and executive excellence. Learn to delegate and commit to those tasks where you truly shine. Say no to micromanagement.

The "Taken For Granted" Syndrome: Overlooking the Need to Explicitly Communicate

Problem: You believe you've been crystal clear in your messages, but you haven't. You might be ambiguous and send mixed messages to your team, leading to confusion.

Solution: Always confirm your message's internal consistency before communicating. Be clear and concise. A simple question like, "So, what are we doing about this tomorrow?" can save you a lot of headaches.

The Achilles' Heel: Ignoring Your Team's Achievements in Your Daily Communication

Problem: In a world where time is so scarce, it's understandable if you prioritize interactions where there's room for improvement. But we all know the feeling of being told everything we've done wrong and nothing we've done right.

Solution: Make it a habit to point out successful resolutions to challenges. This small act makes a world of difference. It's a powerful way to counter team frustration and motivate them by acknowledging even minor achievements.

Remember, as a leader, having the ability to laugh at yourself is a sign of intelligence and emotional maturity.

So, what do you think? Which of these communication errors do you believe is the most recurrent and needs to be rectified now?