The Language of Exceptional Leadership
One of my CEO executive coaching clients is considering reinventing his company. He had a guest speaker who is an expert on reinvention come to speak to his people about “doing the impossible”. My client was incredibly gracious in inviting me to the talk. The topic of reinvention fascinates me whether it is helping leaders reinvent themselves and/or their organizations. I was also interested to observe how my client’s people received the talk.
My impression was that a number of the employees at the talk seemed bored to death. One individual’s body language made me think he was going to slip under the table! They just didn’t’ seem to be engaged in the topic. When asked if they had any questions…most seemed disinterested. I kept thinking what would appeal to their emotions rather than their intellect? Were their stories that they could relate to that would inspire them? What would motivate them to engage in the process?
The Devil in the Details: Words Matter
While it would be nice to imagine that a logical, rational presentation of facts can’t do any harm, especially when dealing with a group of intelligent people, doing so sets you up for failure. If you want people to organize their thinking in new ways and be receptive to new ideas, be wary of falling into the trap of hitting them with logic at the outset of any presentation that challenges their ideas.
The tiniest details can make or break communication:
• Choice of words
• Patterns they form
• The order in which patterns are deployed
Successful leaders follow a unique, almost hidden pattern:
• Grab the audience’s attention
• Stimulate desire
• Reinforce with reasons
When language follows this sequence, it can inspire enduring enthusiasm for a cause and spark action.
Moreover, successful leaders don’t rely on a single communication. As implementation proceeds, they reinforce communication and work with their people to co-create the future by continuing the conversation.
In addition to words, the language of leadership is most effective when you:
1. Can share intelligent stories and narratives
2. Display appropriate, congruent body language
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the audience’s story and context
Are you working in a company or law firm where leadership is able to grab people’s attention by first stimulating desire then reinforcing the message with reasons? Does your company or law firm provide leadership coaching and leadership development to help leadership communicate more effectively? How leaders language their message is critical.
One of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself is “Do I attempt to get people to change by telling compelling stories?” Emotionally intelligent and socially intelligent organizations provide executive coaching and leadership development for leaders who want to communicate more powerfully.
Working with a seasoned executive coach trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating leadership assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-i and CPI 260 can help you become a more effective at communicating change. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become fully engaged with the vision and mission of your company or law firm.
I am currently accepting new executive coaching and career coaching clients. I work with both individuals and organizations. Call 415-546-1252 or send an inquiry e-mail to mbrusman@workingresources.com.
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