L03: The Language of Leaders

L03: The Language of Leaders 

For leader, language is a tool of influence, lead and inspires others to take action. The essence of leadership communication is leader’s ability to influence audience positively. Leader needs to understand how to make an effective use of language as well as be confident in using the language. That confidence will resonate in the words and enhance his/her influence with all targeted audiences.

In this chapter, we are learning that in order to project a confident tone, leader needs to possess confident in both knowledge on the subject and in his/her ability to capture the content in the right words used in the right way. It is very important to know how best to use language for positive impact and to avoid a style that might create any negative responses in audiences. Leader needs to know how audiences perceived his/her writing style and tone. The more we can anticipate the audience’s response and hear how we sound to others, the better we will be able to control our tone and use it effectively to influence audiences.

Furthermore, besides creating a positive ethos, in order to make the language a positive tool in persuading others, make them trust and believe in his/her words, leader needs to make your communicating style persuasive, forceful and concise. Having said that, there are rules for writing style leaders can follow to make their communication not too wordy or too vague for audiences; the communication has to be meaningful and make a connection to audiences. Therefore, to develop effective communication, leader needs time to practice and learn how to develop the correct use of communication.

At last, most importantly before communicating words we prepare to audiences, leaders need to make an edit and proofread several times for the best communication. Read back over what you write to ensure that the words are clear and correct. 

Question

1. What is best to use language for positive impact?

The positive language tends to reduce conflict, improve communication, reduce defensiveness in others and helps portray the speaker. Language is an exceedingly powerful tool.  Whether you communicate orally, or in written form, the way you express yourself will affect whether your message is received positively or negatively.  Even when you are conveying unpleasant news, the impact can be softened by the use of what we call positive language.

In this case you can communicate in a more positive way that is more likely to elicit cooperation rather than argument or confrontation.  Whether you are communicating with clients/customers, your staff, or other government employees, you can use positive language to project a helpful, positive image rather than a destructive negative one.

There is Negative & Positive Language following by

• Tells the recipient what cannot be done.
• Has a subtle tone of blame.
• Includes words like can't, won't, unable to, that tell the recipient what the sending agency cannot do.
• Does not stress positive actions that would be appropriate, or positive consequences. 

2. How Leaders Communicate and Inspire?

The language that a leader uses speaks volumes about their leadership.  Words can reflect confidence or signal in incompetence. Words can create trust or erode it. Effective leaders use language to positively influence others towards the attainment of shared goals.

Example: Managers and leaders looking to develop their skills to communicate effectively and influence and motivate others. It assumes 3-5 years managerial experience.

We need to learn more from outcome such as:

•        Identify the range of factors that impact a leader's ability to influence others
•        Analyses and deploy the concept of universal positive regard
•        Develop strategies to present in a persuasive yet individual manner that respects the audience and the context

3. What the Secret in Language of Leadership?

Successful leaders communicate very differently from the traditional, abstract approach to communication. In all kinds of settings, they communicate by following a hidden pattern: first, they get attention. Then, they stimulate desire, and only then do they support with reasons.

The way for leaders to continue and accelerate excited implementation and extend the relationship is by having regular, continuing conversations with the people they are leading, about the things going on in their context and how they can address emerging threats or opportunities.

Conversation is person-to-person-not role-to-role. Conversation is conducted on the same level, one human being to another, not people acting out roles, saying what they’ve been told to say or what’s expected of them