In critical times, communication clarity counts
Leading today calls for a unique blend of courage and clear communication. In a world increasingly marked by uncertainty, economic shifts, and a rising tide of resistance to diversity, inclusion, and equity, how leaders speak—or fail to speak—defines their impact.
A leader isn’t always someone at the top of the organizational chart. A leader is anyone who can affect the people they guide, the brands they represent, and the impact they create. So, what does that mean when it comes to communication?
A leader’s role in communication is threefold:
Shaping the vision by defining the direction and purpose for teams and the organization. This vision, to be effective, must be inherently clear.
Communicating the vision, which is more than just sharing information. It's about fostering understanding and encouraging commitment through clear messaging.
Executing the vision (through others) requires ongoing communication, clear direction, and the cultivation of an environment where the vision can be realized.
Leaders become leaders because they’re great strategists, excellent problem-solvers, or technical gurus—not necessarily because of their communication strengths. However, like it or not, in an increasingly diverse world, communication is a core leadership capability.
Clarity with DEPTH
The Conscious Communicator: The Fine Art of Not Saying Stupid Sh*t, devotes an entire chapter to leaders because they have immense platforms, and what they say—or don't say—affects everyone, from the people they lead to the brands they represent and the legacies they aim to build. Leaders have outsized voices; they must leverage them with care.
Lack of clarity can lead to missteps. From saying the wrong thing—tone-deaf statements, clueless comments, and insensitive remarks—to saying nothing, these missteps can undermine trust, damage reputations, and derail important initiatives. The DEPTH Model™ offers a framework for addressing these missteps:
Deliberate counters the silent treatment. Being deliberate means consciously choosing to engage and speak, rather than remaining silent on critical issues, ensuring your message is intentional and clear from the outset.
Educated tackles the tone-deaf statement, the clueless comment, and the insensitive remark. Speaking with clarity calls for being informed about what's going on, clued-in to diverse perspectives, and aware of the implications of their words. Move past assumptions; seek actual knowledge.
Purposeful addresses the insensitive remark that can happen when leaders lose sight of their vision or the orgianization’s values. Purposeful communication means aligning every message with a clear objective and the broader company mission, ensuring there's a clear "why" behind what is being said.
Tailored directly combats the tone-deaf statement where leaders lose sight of their audience. Tailored communication means understanding who you're speaking to and crafting your message in a way that resonates with their needs and perspectives, not just your own.
Habitual helps overcome the clueless comment by making good communication practices second nature. When effective and clear communication becomes a habit, leaders are less likely to rely on off-the-cuff remarks that can lead to missteps.
The DEPTH model helps leaders proactively minimize missteps and build a stronger, more positive legacy. It's about being prepared, understanding your audience, and consistently communicating with intention and impact. In today's tricky landscape, communication clarity counts.