Is your messaging inspiring your team?

Do you have a genuine relationship with your employees?

Your position may be powerful. But do you exercise personal authority? 

People get a lot of meaning from feeling a connection to their leader and a sense that their leader is leading them in the direction they wish to go. 

Through a leader's messaging, much of this occurs, or not.

The quote by poet Maya Angelou that goes, "People may not remember what you did or said, "but they'll always remember how you made them feel," I believe best captures the essence of meaning-making communication.

The secret is to use your communications to influence employees' emotions in the appropriate ways.

Here are five queries you can use to accomplish this.

1. Will my message lead to compliance or commitment? should be your first question.

You'll receive dedication, for instance, when you're vulnerable or have a compelling vision. Without them, compliance would be minimal.

2. Consider whether your message will generate confidence.

Do they have faith in you as the leader and your strategies? Here, projecting confidence is crucial. The leader of an organization is seldom more assured. Do this without claiming to have all the answers; rather, share your plans with conviction and enthusiasm while acknowledging your ignorance and any mistakes you may have made along the road.

Draw a precise picture of the truth. However, offer encouragement and causes for employees to have faith in the future.

3. Ask will my communication build certainty? 

Have you ever heard a leader communicate in a muddled, vague, or inconsistent manner? To be honest, it's challenging to interpret that. So be sure to communicate just what you plan to say, and be decisive and clear in your messaging. You accomplish this by looking at your messaging through the perspective of the target audience in advance.

4. Inquire whether your communication will foster community.

Not I, but we.

Accentuate the group's accomplishments rather than merely the flaws.

With the words you select and the instances you provide, you can convey a sense of,

Hey, We're in This Together.

Point out impending challenges and how working together multiplies the impact.

5. Consider whether your message will motivate people to do their best work.

Both your heart and your head should be used. For instance, assist them in comprehending how their efforts relate to a larger objective that has been widely accepted as important. 

In your messaging, fervently thank employees for their accomplishments and make clear why it matters.

Describe the team's memorable moments. 

Meaning is important.