Leadership Is Communication – An Introduction

by Debra Buenting

Being an effective leader necessitates being an effective communicator. Leaders are usually required to communicate at multiple levels. They must relate interpersonally with individuals, both other leaders and those who follow them. They relate to various groups, such as their leadership teams and groups they lead at their location; they must also relate to church groups, civic groups, classes, and regional and international groups in which they are a part. And they must be effective public speakers, whether making announcements or preaching in a service. But perhaps most of all, leaders must know how to accurately reflect God’s character in both their actions and speech. They must know how to inspire others, articulate vision and bring the appropriate word at the right time.

According to Christian communication scholar, Quentin Schultze , “Communication is both a gift from God and a learnable skill.” This should give hope to those leaders but struggle to be effective communicators. For example, I know a leader in a church denomination who, because of his position, is often interviewed on camera for various video projects. However, this man was naturally very stiff and nervous, making him a less than effective communicator. Fortunately, this leader had enough self-awareness that he began to read books on communication and implemented what he learned. He studied, he rehearsed, and he became a very good on-camera communicator. I was encouraged to see how this man became a better communicator as he acquired skills. I agree with Schultze that communication is both a gift and a learnable skill.

Perhaps you are a natural communicator; you are a dynamic speaker, a prolific writer, or a great listener. Even if you are naturally gifted, you, like all of us, all have room for growth. If you are convinced you need to be a better communicator, and thereby a better leader, God can teach you.

In their book on spiritual leadership, Blackaby and Blackaby write the following in a section called “Leadership Is Communication:”

You cannot be a poor communicator and a good leader. Max Depree observed: ‘I learned that if you are a leader and you’re not sick and tired of communicating, you probably aren’t doing a good enough job.’ Spiritual leaders don’t just tell stories for the sake of telling stories. They rehearse what God has done, they relate what God is doing, and they share what god has promised to do. If the story is about God’s activity and promises, the Holy Spirit will affirm its authenticity in people’s hearts. People don’t have to buy into a vision; they simply have to see that God is making a promise. Leaders cannot grow weary of bearing witness to God’s activity. Some stories need to be repeated over and over again so that each member of the organization is familiar with them. Churches ought to have stories that all the members know and recite that remind the people of God’s ongoing activity in their midst. As the stories of God’s activity are recounted, the people will see that God is the one who has led them thus far, and that God is currently leading them and he has a plan for their future.”

Be encouraged to use The Leader’s Corner and the rest of this web site to help you grow as an effective communicator. In addition, seek out resources and you can use to gain a healthier understanding and to help you with particular skills; pay attention to those you encounter that model effectively, godly communication. And finally, click on the links below for more valuable information:

How to Become a Master Communicator:

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/10/how-to-become-master-communicator.html

Leadership, Communication and Change

http://work911.com/articles/comchan.htm

Communication and Leadership

http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadcom.html