Communication

Communication is something so important to leadership, and life in general, yet everyone goes about it in a different way. If I was to write an article about how to communicate with those you lead (and those around you in general), it would not be an absolute method, rather guidelines to follow to make sure you are listening/communicating to the best of your ability.

Individual 

1.  Eye contact. Eye contact is important both for the person talking and the person listening. When talking, maintaining eye contact with your audience shows you are confident in what you are saying, as opposed to looking down or off at something in the distance. As a listener, eye contact shows you are fully engaged in what the other person is saying.

2. Body Language. Nothing says "I'm bored" like constantly moving around, or shifting around. It is also important to face the person talking/listening because it shows you are engaged in the conversation.

3. Think before you speak. Before you start a sentence, make sure you know how it is going to end. It will only make your points stronger if you are sure in what you are saying, rather than trailing off into nothingness at the end of your sentence.

4. Thoughtful responses. Responses like "oh" and "okay" can seem demeaning to another person if they just put themselves out there and shared an idea with you, and the only thing you can think of to reply with is "cool," or something of that matter.

5. Don't be on your phone. Trying to talk to someone who is too busy checking Instagram or Twitter or texting back all their friends is annoying in any situation, but especially in a more professional situation like one of leadership.

Group

1. See above. All of these can apply to a group setting as well. Eye contact, body language, and engagement in a conversation are just as important in a group setting as they are in a one-on-one. 

2. There is no right or wrong. When brainstorming ideas, or trying to come up with a game plan, there is no right or wrong way to do things, just different ways. Its important to listen to everyones' different ideas, then hash out the best option afterwards, not just sticking to what you though everyone should do. 

3. Be open. This is kind of like number two, but taking it a little further. Even if you don't agree with the way things pan out in the end, its important to be open and supportive of the decision the group made. 

4. Be humorous. This is not to say you always need to be cracking jokes, but especially if you are leading a big group, I think it is important to remain light and friendly with everyone in the group, and make sure they don't feel intimidated. (Even you you are the leader in the situation..) 

5. Be you. I think overall the most important thing in communication is being yourself. 

In light of that last thought, I think it is important for people to embrace the way that they lead rather than try to mimic someone else, because only then will you be able to reach your full potential -- how can you be the best you by trying to be someone else? 

“Constantly talking isn't necessarily communicating.”

 -Charlie Kaufman