Effective Communication and Building Trust as a Leader
"To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others." – Tony Robbins
The Interconnection Between Communication and Trust
Effective communication is essential to building trust. Consequently, it's impossible to have one without the other. Approximately 91% of employees believe their leaders lack communication skills, hindering trust and engagement (Holmes Report, 2019).
Moreover, effective communication also requires speaking with clarity. When communicating, we convey a message or convince someone why action is needed.
Also, there are many forms of communication. We can communicate verbally and in writing, and then there is non-verbal communication. In my work with the military, I have had to understand how and when to use each form of communication and its impact on relationships.
Personal Communication Preferences and Challenges
As an introvert, I prefer communicating by email because I can get straight to the point without small talk. Statistics show that women are slightly more likely to identify as introverted than men, at rates of 30% versus 25%, respectively (BrainWiseMind, 2023).
I can easily follow up with email correspondence and track when tasks are received and work completed. Then, utilize compiled data to track accomplishments. Introverts excel in reflective thinking and deep listening, which contribute to strong team dynamics when properly harnessed.
They often prefer written forms of communication, such as emails, which can sometimes be misinterpreted as distant or impersonal in professional environments (BrainWiseMind, 2023).
I have seen firsthand how this form of communication is not ideal for relationship building. Therefore, I will call when necessary to get things done, add a personal touch, use kind words, and express my appreciation—remembering that it is only through people that the work gets done.
Reflecting on Communication Effectiveness
After conversing with my supervisor not long ago about my lack of communication, I pondered on this for a while because I felt I was a good communicator.
Being a coach, I had to ask myself if this was true. When I took a step back and viewed the scenario on the big screen, I could see that what I was good at was avoiding confrontation, to my own detriment.
It has been found that avoidant behaviors significantly affect individuals' social and occupational functioning, often resulting in reduced opportunities for personal and professional growth (NIMH, 2022).
So, by the time I am ready to confront someone, I am so angry and unable to think clearly, much less speak. I can tell you from personal experience that you never make decisions when angry because you lose the ability to think and act rationally.
I also choose not to send an email or speak when I am furious to avoid apologizing later for irrational behavior and giving myself space to cool off, exhibiting real growth.
Once I've calmed down and looked at the situation from all sides, it could be that I overreacted, misunderstood, or was correct in my conclusions. Nevertheless, before responding, I want to ensure my decisions are based on facts and that I am professional when speaking.
Adapting Communication Strategies for Better Relationships
So, I agreed with my supervisor that after sending the first email, I would place a call if an understanding wasn't reached. Teams with effective communication improve productivity by up to 25% (McKinsey, 2020).
This has helped to improve relationships not only with my team but also with my supervisor. When working for the government, you quickly learn that it's not always what you know but who you know. Equally important is who knows you!
You never know where connections may lead. When hiring people, you want someone you know, like, or trust. It is also known recommendations are golden. Therefore, I was strategic when managing my career, realizing that no one would do that for me.
Tailoring Messages to Your Audience
Before sending, what message am I sending, and what does my message convey? In crafting our message, we need to understand who our listener is.
You can tell three people the same story, and each can come away with a different understanding based on many factors, such as age, race, sex, experience, etc.
In fact, active listening increases trust by 25% and reduces conflict in teams by 15% (International Journal of Business Communication, 2020).
So, it's important to receive confirmation that your message was heard and understood. However, just because someone understands it doesn't mean that they agree with you. The only way that can happen is if they have had a similar experience or trust you.
It was found that only 32% of employees trust senior leaders in their organizations (Resume.io, 2021).
From my work with the military, I learned to trust but verify. I find most people this way, which is always a safe bet.
Communication in Different Contexts
Additionally, we also communicate differently in business and our personal lives. In relationships, knowing your significant other's love language is essential.
Then, we communicate with our children, parents, and pets in various ways. As you can see, effective communication boils down to understanding and relationship building, which can either increase or decrease trust.
The Collaborative Nature of Communication
Effective communication is participative and collaborative, considering other's opinions; it requires empathy, compassion, and connection, which is the foundation on which trust is built.
Ironically, public trust in the U.S. federal government remains low, heavily influenced by partisan differences (Pew Research Center, 2024).
Moreover, trust is hard to make and easy to lose. Organizations with high-trust environments see 74% less stress, 50% higher productivity, and 76% more engagement (Zak, 2017).
Trust is a sacred bond you create with someone and should not be taken for granted. It is something to be cherished, and if it is broken, perhaps you can repair it, but you can never erase what happened.
Call to Action
Effective communication and trust are the cornerstones of successful leadership. Start building stronger relationships today by reflecting on your communication style and identifying areas for improvement.
• Reach Out: Take a moment to connect with a colleague or team member using a personal and empathetic approach.
• Listen Actively: Focus on truly understanding the perspectives of those you lead.
• Strengthen Trust: Be transparent, follow through on commitments, and foster a culture of open dialogue.
Small steps can lead to profound changes. Commit to enhancing one aspect of your communication skills this week and watch how it transforms your leadership journey.
References
BrainWiseMind. (2023). What percentage of the world are introverts? Understanding their impact. Retrieved from https://brainwisemind.com
Edelman Trust Barometer. (2021). The state of trust in the workplace. Retrieved from [https://www.edelman.com]
Holmes Report. (2019). The CEO reputation premium: Closing the communication gap. Retrieved from [https://www.holmesreport.com]
International Journal of Business Communication. (2020). The impact of listening skills on trust and team collaboration. Retrieved from [https://journals.sagepub.com]
McKinsey & Company. (2020). The state of workplace communication. Retrieved from [https://www.mckinsey.com]
National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Prevalence of personality disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov
Pew Research Center. (2024). Public trust in government: 1958-2024. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org
Zak, P. J. (2017). The neuroscience of trust. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from [https://hbr.org]
