नेतृत्व कौशल कैसे बढ़ाएं
10 नेतृत्व गुण जो हर प्रबंधक में होने चाहिए - Tommy
प्रभावी नेता निर्णय लेते समय अपनी अंतरात्मा की आवाज पर काम करना जानते हैं, और यद्यपि आप अनेक नेतृत्व कौशल सीख सकते हैं, लेकिन अपनी अंतरात्मा पर भरोसा करना सीखना कठिन हो सकता है। 2. अभिनय जिम्मेदारी.
सक्रिय रूप से सुनना भी महत्वपूर्ण है
संचार कौशल के विषय पर, <anchor>सक्रिय रूप से सुनना भी महत्वपूर्ण है</anchor> एक नेता के रूप में। यदि आप प्रभावी ढंग से सुन नहीं सकते हैं तो आप कभी भी अपने टीम के सदस्यों और उनके द्वारा सामना किए जा रहे किसी भी मुद्दे को नहीं समझ पाएंगे। एक अच्छे नेता को संभवतः अपने कर्मचारियों द्वारा लाए गए संघर्ष और समस्याओं से निपटना होगा, इसलिए लोगों की बात सुनने और उनकी चिंताओं को समझने का धैर्य रखना एक नेता के रूप में आपके लिए अच्छा रहेगा।
8 Essential Leadership Communication Skills | HBS Online
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# 8 Essential Leadership Communication Skills

![Businessman leading team during meeting](https://cloudinary.hbs.edu/hbsit/image/upload/s--6tVyqais--/f_auto,c_fill,h_375,w_750,/v20200101/7E8ACECC668369B463198F008FA3246E.jpg)

- 14 Nov 2019

[Lauren Landry](/blog/?author=Lauren+Landry)Author[Staff](/blog/?authortype=Staff)

tag

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- [Leadership](/blog/?topic=Leadership)
- [Leadership Principles](/blog/?course=Leadership+Principles)

If you want to be [an effective leader](/blog/post/characteristics-of-an-effective-leader), you need to excel in communication. In fact, the success of your business relies on it.

According to a report from [the Economist Intelligence Unit (pdf)](https://eiuperspectives.economist.com/sites/default/files/EIU_Lucidchart-Communication%20barriers%20in%20the%20modern%20workplace.pdf), poor communication can lead to low morale, missed performance goals, and even lost sales. A [separate study](https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/communication/pages/the-cost-of-poor-communications.aspx) found that inadequate communication can cost large companies an average of $64.2 million per year, while smaller organizations are at risk of losing $420,000 annually.

But effective communication impacts more than just the bottom line. For leaders, it’s what enables them to rally their team around a shared vision, [empower employees](/blog/post/how-to-empower-employees), build trust, and successfully [navigate organizational change](/blog/post/how-to-communicate-organizational-change).

## Why Is Communication Important in Leadership?

A leader is someone who inspires positive, incremental change by empowering those around them to work toward common objectives. A leader’s most powerful tool for doing so is communication.

Effective communication is vital to gain trust, align efforts in the pursuit of goals, and inspire positive change. When communication is lacking, important information can be misinterpreted, causing relationships to suffer and, ultimately, creating barriers that hinder progress.

If you’re interested in enhancing your leadership capabilities, here are eight communication skills you need to be more effective in your role.

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## Essential Communication Skills for Leaders

### 1\. Ability to Adapt Your Communication Style

Different communication styles are the most frequently cited cause of poor communication, according to [the Economist Intelligence Unit (pdf)](https://eiuperspectives.economist.com/sites/default/files/EIU_Lucidchart-Communication%20barriers%20in%20the%20modern%20workplace.pdf), and can lead to more significant issues, such as unclear priorities and increased stress.

It’s essential to identify your [leadership style](/blog/post/styles-of-leadership), so that you can better understand how you’re interacting with, and perceived by, employees across the organization. For example, if you’re an [authoritative leader](/blog/post/authoritative-leadership-style), you likely have a clear vision for achieving success and align your team accordingly. While an effective approach for some, it might fall flat for others who seek more autonomy in their role.

Every employee’s motivations are different, so knowing how to tailor your communication is essential to influencing others and reaching organizational goals.

**_Related:_** [4 Tips for Developing Your Personal Leadership Style](/blog/post/developing-your-leadership-style)

### 2\. Active Listening

Effective leaders know when they need to talk and, more importantly, when they need to listen. Show that you care by asking for employees’ opinions, ideas, and feedback. And when they do share, actively engage in the conversation—pose questions, invite them to elaborate, and take notes.

It’s important to stay in the moment and avoid interrupting. Keep your focus on the employee and what it is they’re saying. To achieve that, you also need to eliminate any distractions, including constant pings on your cell phone or checking incoming emails.

### 3\. Transparency

In [a survey by the American Management Association](https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/employee-relations/pages/leader-communication-could-be-better.aspx), more than a third of senior managers, executives, and employees said they “hardly ever” know what’s going on in their organizations. Transparency can go a long way in breaking down that communication barrier.

By speaking openly about the company’s goals, opportunities, and challenges, leaders can build trust amongst their team and foster an environment where employees feel empowered to share their ideas and collaborate. Just acknowledging mistakes can encourage experimentation and create a safe space for active problem-solving.

Every individual should understand the role they play in the company’s success. The more transparent leaders are, the easier it is for employees to make that connection.

### 4\. Clarity

When communicating with employees, speak in specifics. Define the desired result of a project or strategic initiative and be clear about what you want to see achieved by the end of each milestone. If goals aren’t being met, try simplifying your message further or ask how you can provide additional clarity or help.

The more clear you are, the less confusion there will be around priorities. Employees will know what they’re working toward and feel more engaged in the process.

### 5\. Ability to Ask Open-Ended Questions

If you want to understand employees’ motivations, thoughts, and goals better, practice asking open-ended questions. Jennifer Currence, president of consulting firm The Currence Group, said to the [Society of Human Resource Management](https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/organizational-and-employee-development/pages/3-steps-to-better-communication.aspx) to use the acronym TED, which stands for:

- “ **T** ell me more.”
- “ **E** xplain what you mean.”
- “ **D** efine that term or concept for me.”

By leveraging those phrases when speaking with your team, you can elicit more thoughtful, thorough responses and ensure you also have clarity around what they need from you to succeed.

### 6\. Empathy

There’s a reason empathy has been ranked [the top leadership skill needed for success](https://www.fastcompany.com/90272895/5-reasons-empathy-is-the-most-important-leadership-skill). The better you get at acknowledging and understanding employees’ feelings and experiences, the more heard and valued they’ll feel.

In [a recent survey (pdf)](https://info.businessolver.com/hubfs/empathy-2018/businessolver-empathy-executive-summary.pdf), 96 percent of respondents said it was important for their employers to demonstrate empathy, yet 92 percent claimed it remains undervalued. If you want to improve your communication and build a stronger, more productive culture, practice responding with empathy.

**_Related:_** [Emotional Intelligence Skills: What They Are & How to Develop Them](/blog/post/emotional-intelligence-skills)

### 7\. Open Body Language

Communication isn’t just what you say; it’s how you carry yourself. Ninety-three percent of communication’s impact comes from nonverbal cues, [according to executive coach Darlene Price](https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-magazine/spring2019/pages/how-to-improve-leaders-communication-skills.aspx).

To ensure you’re conveying the right message, focus on your body language. If you’re trying to inspire someone, talking with clenched fists and a furrowed brow isn’t going to send the right message. Instead, make eye contact to establish interest and rapport and flash a genuine smile to convey warmth and trust.

### 8\. Receiving and Implementing Feedback

Asking for feedback from your team can not only help you grow as a leader, but build trust among your colleagues. It’s critical, though, that you don’t just listen to the feedback. You also need to act on it.

If you continue to receive feedback from your team, but don’t implement any changes, they’re going to lose faith in your ability to follow through. It’s likely there will be comments you can’t immediately act on—be transparent about that. By letting your employees know they were heard and then apprising them of any progress you can, or do, make, they’ll feel as though you value their perspective and are serious about improving.

**_Related:_** [How to Give Feedback Effectively](/blog/post/how-to-give-feedback-effectively)

[![Leadership Principles | Unlock your leadership potential | Learn More](/online/PublishingImages/blog/ctas/lpri-cta.jpg)](/courses/leadership-principles/)

## Improving Your Leadership Communication

Communication is at the core of effective leadership. If you want to influence and inspire your team, you need to practice empathy and transparency, and understand how others perceive you, through your verbal and non-verbal cues.

To improve your communication skills and become a better leader, begin by [assessing your effectiveness](/blog/post/leadership-self-assessment) so you can identify areas for improvement. Then, set goals and hold yourself accountable by creating a [leadership development plan](/blog/post/leadership-development-plan) to guide and track your progress.

**_Do you want to enhance your leadership skills? Download our [free leadership e-book](https://info.email.online.hbs.edu/leadership-ebook) and explore our online course [Leadership Principles](/courses/leadership-principles/) to discover how you can become a more effective leader and unleash the potential in yourself and others._**

_(This post was updated on June 16, 2020. It was originally published on November 14, 2019.)_

![](/PublishingImages/blog/authors/Profile-Image.jpg)

### About the Author

_Lauren Landry is the director of marketing and communications for Harvard Business School Online. Prior to joining HBS Online, she worked at Northeastern University and BostInno, where she wrote nearly 3,500 articles covering early-stage tech and education—including the very launch of HBS Online. When she's not at HBS Online, you might find her teaching a course on digital media at Emerson College, chugging coffee, or telling anyone who's willing to listen terribly corny jokes._

[All FAQs](/more-info/faqs)

### Top FAQs

**How are HBS Online courses delivered?**
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**We offer self-paced programs (with weekly deadlines) on the [HBS Online course platform](/more-info/learning-model/)**.

Our platform features short, highly produced videos of HBS faculty and guest business experts, interactive graphs and exercises, cold calls to keep you engaged, and opportunities to contribute to a vibrant online community.

**Are HBS Online programs available in languages other than English?**
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We expect to offer our courses in additional languages in the future but, at this time, HBS Online can only be provided in English.

All course content is delivered in written English. Closed captioning in English is available for all videos. There are no live interactions during the course that requires the learner to speak English. Coursework must be completed in English.

**Do I need to come to campus to participate in HBS Online programs?**
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No, all of our programs are 100 percent online, and available to participants regardless of their location.

**How do I enroll in a course?**
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**Certificate Programs**

HBS Online welcomes committed learners wherever they are—in the world and their careers—irrespective of their professional experience or academic background. To extend the reach of HBS Online, we no longer require an application for our certificate programs. (Applications are still required for our credential programs: CORe and CLIMB.) You can now immediately enroll and start taking the next step in your career.

All programs require the completion of a brief [online enrollment form](https://account.myhbx.org/s/login/?startURL=https://account.myhbx.org/) before payment. If you are new to HBS Online, you will be required to set up an account before enrolling in the program of your choice.

Our easy online enrollment form is free, and no special documentation is required. All participants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

Updates to your enrollment status will be shown on your [account page](https://account.myhbx.org/s/login/). HBS Online does not use race, gender, ethnicity, or any protected class as criteria for enrollment for any HBS Online program.

**Credential Programs**

HBS Online's [CORe](https://online.hbs.edu/courses/core/) and [CLIMB](https://online.hbs.edu/courses/climb/) programs require the completion of a brief application. The applications vary slightly, but all ask for some personal background information. [You can apply for and enroll in programs here](https://account.myhbx.org/s/login/?startURL=https%3A//account.myhbx.org/&__cr_user=87cf15b370a238eb430369f37eceea3b&__cr_session=111d6ce4c5077402f2e7a1a8676c57e2&fsuid=%23Z1A3E%236426682453118976%3A4767530102329344%3A%3A%3A%23%2F1712317979). If you are new to HBS Online, you will be required to set up an account before starting an application for the program of your choice.

Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All participants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

Updates to your application and enrollment status will be shown on your [account page](https://account.myhbx.org/s/login/?__cr_user=87cf15b370a238eb430369f37eceea3b&__cr_session=111d6ce4c5077402f2e7a1a8676c57e2&fsuid=%23Z1A3E%236426682453118976%3A4767530102329344%3A%3A%3A%23%2F1712317979). We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application for CORe and three weeks for CLIMB. HBS Online does not use race, gender, ethnicity, or any protected class as criteria for admissions for any HBS Online program.

**Does Harvard Business School Online offer an online MBA?**
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No, Harvard Business School Online offers business certificate programs.

**What are my payment options?**
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We accept payments via credit card, wire transfer, Western Union, and (when available) bank loan. Some candidates may qualify for scholarships or financial aid, which will be credited against the Program Fee once eligibility is determined. Please refer to the [Payment & Financial Aid page](/more-info/payment-financial-aid/) for further information.

We also allow you to split your payment across 2 separate credit card transactions or send a payment link email to another person on your behalf. If splitting your payment into 2 transactions, a minimum payment of $350 is required for the first transaction.

In all cases, net Program Fees must be paid in full (in US Dollars) to complete registration.

**What are the policies for refunds and deferrals?**
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After enrolling in a program, you may request a withdrawal with refund (minus a $100 nonrefundable enrollment fee) **up until 24 hours after the start of your program.** Please review the [Program Policies page](/more-info/policies/#change-program-status) for more details on refunds and deferrals. If your employer has contracted with HBS Online for participation in a program, or if you elect to enroll in the [undergraduate credit option](/courses/core/undergraduate-credit/) of the Credential of Readiness (CORe) program, note that policies for these options may differ.

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