The Hindu Business Line : Leadership and communication

The art and science of management requires both leadership and communication skills. Leadership demands pioneering and trailblazing endeavours. It involves defining where the organisation is going and what it wants to be. Leadership is not a job; it is a way of life, it is a manner of being and behaving. Many myths are assigned to leaders. Leaders are born with some traits — true and false. Everyone can be a leader — yes and no. Leaders are charismatic — some are, some are not. Leaders are catalysts and change agents — yes always. Leaders are autocratic — some are always, some occasionally, and some never. Leaders function from the forefront — true most of the time.

Leadership depends on effective communication. Leaders have a primary responsibility to conceive and construct a congenial climate for successful communication. Oral and written communication are perhaps the most important, because they are used most of the time. Oral communication, in order to be effective, requires practice, practice, and practice. Written communication is learnt only by writing, and not by reading about writing; which again implies assiduous application and practice. Graphics and pictures transmit ideas and concepts more effectively than mere verbiage. Listening is an important ingredient in communication.

Leaders must develop listening skills in order to empathise with and motivate their employees. Listening involves understanding the message in the same form and content as the speaker intends it to be, and eventually giving a feedback. Listening consolidates relationships.

A leader must be a role model, so that his people will be influenced to walk his talk. Creating respect, rather than distance, is the hallmark of a leader. Leaders must be articulate, more creative, more credible, more exemplary, and more versatile. It is only thus that they win the hearts and souls of their employees.

(The author is a Chennai-based freelance writer.)

R. Devarajan

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