DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO COMMUNICATE?

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO COMMUNICATE?

Do you have what it takes to communicate? Communication is important to our relationships, our advancement, and our growth. I recently learned that communication is one of the top five most desirable skills employers prefer! With this information, it is understandable that the importance of women leaders and influencers lies in continually developing their communication skills.

Whether you are leading your organization, a team of volunteers, a women’s ministry, or your family, communication skills are essential to your success because communication enables you to connect with people. So, how are you communicating?

“You are always communicating. Everything you do says something about who you are and your relationship to God.” Linda Clark, 5 Leadership Essentials for Women.

Nonverbal Communication

In many instances, we communicate before we speak a word through our body language, our attire, or our posture. Think of a time a friend or family member walked into the room, and you immediately knew something was wrong or amiss. We lead and influence through numerous behaviors, but it is our verbal and nonverbal communication that is most telling. Which is one reason why we can give our children a look, and they know we mean business. Do any moms out there agree?

Do you Hinder Your Message?

Influential leaders may be articulate, strong orators, but their dress, voice pitch, or behavior may hinder their message to their followers. Our attire may undermine our message by diverting the listener’s attention, or our hand gestures may be distracting. In either case, it’s beneficial that we understand and improve our communication skills to prepare for our leadership roles, personally and professionally.

When my sons were younger, I could offer a verbal warning (and a look) if I were concerned they were playing too roughly, and they would tone it down. However, if I had offered a verbal warning with a huge grin and a nonchalant demeanor, I’m not sure they would have taken it seriously. My nonverbal would override my verbal, which is something to consider when we are leading others.

Natural Communication Skills vs. Learned Communication Skills

We all have the ability to improve our communication skills. An example of a great female leader who continually developed her communication skills is Margaret Thatcher. It is said that the former Prime Minister of Britain was not born with natural leadership skills or speaking abilities. Aware of her weaknesses, she took public speaking classes to improve her communication skills. Thatcher understood the significant impact her speaking skills would have on her ability to influence her followers and her career. She worked hard to improve her voice pitch and knew the importance of her dress and her posture when speaking.

Margaret Thatcher became one of Britain’s most influential leaders due to her powerful, authentic, and persuasive communication skills. Can you think of another female leader who developed powerful communication skills?

Communication and Conflict Management

Skilled communicators are adept at managing conflict. The ability to listen and reason, coupled with emotional awareness, increases the likelihood of handling conflict meaningfully. When conflict management is handled well, our relationships improve.

An example of a gifted communicator exhibiting strong conflict management skills is Abigail. Here’s the short story,

Abigail was married to Nabal, a wealthy but rude man. Nabal had insulted King David; therefore, King David planned to retaliate by destroying Nabal and his military. Upon hearing their fate, the servants share the dire situation with Abigail (I guess they knew who was wise enough to handle the matter, and it wasn’t Nabal. The translation of Nabal is fool.)

Abigail quickly decides to meet with King David and successfully diffuses the situation (excellent conflict-resolution skills). After meeting with David, she returns home to find her husband in a bad way, so she waits. Abigail again demonstrates her resolve and wisdom by deciding to postpone a discussion with Nabal. I’m not sure what I would have done in this situation. I hear my husband has offended the King, and we are all doomed. I gather gifts and provisions, jump on a donkey, and ride out to meet them, all 400 of them. I fall on my knees and, by God’s grace, save my people. I jump back on my donkey to return home to find my husband intoxicated. Talk about a challenging day! And what does Abigail do? She waits until it’s the right time.

Conflict management involves strong listening skills, remaining open, and waiting for the right time to respond. It is not about reacting. It’s about emotional awareness, which promotes healthy conflict resolution. Abigail exemplified healthy conflict-resolution skills through her strong communication and servant’s heart.

“They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.” Titus 3:2 NLT

Christian Women Leaders Needed

Recent studies indicate women leaders are advancing at a slower pace. It is believed this is due to the difficulty women have communicating their accomplishments. The studies recommended specific communication essentials that women need to adopt to project confidence, such as owning their voice, controlling their movement, and being succinct when speaking. I addressed the importance of owning your voice in a recent blog post, Do You Own Your Voice?

As women, we are called to encourage, equip, and empower one another. I can’t think of a better way to support one another than through our words, using our power and influence to build each other up.

Let’s continue to prioritize the development of our communication skills, building one another up as we are called to do. So, do you have what it takes to communicate?

“The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.” Psalm 68:11 NIV

If you want to improve or develop your communication skills, schedule a FREE discovery call HERE (yes, it’s that simple). We can chat over the phone or via Zoom.