When Communication Strengths Become Bad Habits
With the launch of The Ei Coach’s new communication skills mastermind, “Agile Communications: communicate at the pace of change,” I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with executive communication coach Chris Hunter.
Susan: Chris, I’m so excited to offer this new executive communication skills mastermind and thrilled you’ll be leading these sessions. Many of my executive clients are questioning whether they’re delivering the right messages in the right way in this time of uncertainty. What do you see as the biggest communication challenge leaders will experience throughout the rest of 2021?
Chris: the current trend is a hybrid workforce. A recent study published in Harvard Business Review noted 70% of companies are moving to a hybrid model in the wake of COVID. Before COVID, many leaders engaged with their teams primarily face-to-face. These same leaders had to learn to adapt quickly to all virtual communication. Now, they will need to learn new skills to effectively communicate in both virtual and in-person settings. The agility to convey your messages over a video conference, as well as in-person, will continue to be the norm.
Susan: leaders have heard many times how important it is to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. Yet, even the most successful leaders can still find it a challenge. Why do you think this is?
Chris: your natural communication style is a habit. Like many habits, it can sometimes be difficult to change. So, be aware of your natural style…and what actions it will take to shift and adapt your style. It’s not about changing who you are. It’s about understanding the perceptions of others and knowing what motivates them, so they will be open to your opinions, feedback, and directives.
Susan: it sounds like a balance between the leader’s preferences and habits and other people’s preferences and habits.
Chris: that’s right. It’s a balance between authenticity and influence. This balance is a skill that can be developed with practice. In the last year and a half, leaders have had to manage this balance in an uncertain world. As executives go forward into this hybrid and still changing work-world, they need to watch for those times they are under stress and pressure. It’s when we are most stressed we revert to habits that can negatively impact others.
Susan: is there an executive you've worked with recently whose story represents the communication challenges you're seeing most often with clients? What actions did they take that led to greater success?
Chris: I worked with a new CEO who excelled at getting others to align with his creative vision…but struggled with how to mobilize others to action. He’s made a conscious effort to clearly communicate not only his vision but his call to action by delegating more effectively, giving others latitude to “do” and creating more accountability.
Susan: it sounds like his actions resulted in a lot more clarity and trust, as well. If you could offer executive leaders one piece of advice to help them manage through the rest of 2021, what would it be?
Chris: focus less on returning to “normal” and help your team establish and adapt to the “new normal.”
Susan: thank you, Chris! I know senior leaders will learn even more in the Agile Communications mastermind! I’m really happy to bring this new offering to clients.
If you’d like to register for one of our upcoming executive communication skills masterminds, check out the details and schedule here. Have questions about the Agile Communications program? We’re happy to answer them! Send an email to Chris and Susan at susan@theeicoach.com