6 essential values to be an effective communicator

There's an abundance of literature on the topic of effective communication. Yet, communication in the workplace remains one of the key challenges most managers and leaders grapple with on a daily basis. The reason is simple: humans are complex beings.

As James Humes puts it, "The art of communication is the language of leadership." Let's give it a minute to sink in. Think about the best bosses you've had so far. What is the one thing they share in common? We're betting it's the ability to build great rapport with the team.

Being articulate and well-spoken is a bonus, but it's not what defines a great communicator. What matters most is one'svalues and approach towards the interaction. It's oftennot what you say, but how you say it, that determines the outcome.

Do you have these 6 essential values to be an effective communicator?

1. Compassion

If you genuinely care about your team members, or whoever you're speaking to, it makes a huge difference to your communication with them. You'll have greater respect for their feedback, which makes the discussion far more productive. Two-way communication promotes open exchange of ideas, unlike one-way communication where one person dictates.

2. Humility

Working in multicultural environments, as is commonly the case in Asia, humility is an important value that greatly affects the quality of organisational communication. Adapting to the other person's communication style, language, or colloquialism reduces cultural and social distance, promoting camaraderie between team members and manager alike.

3. Perceptivity

The other person's verbal and nonverbal cues will tell you how they are responding to what you're saying. Picking up on these signals will help you steer the conversation in the right direction and prevent disagreements or unproductive outcomes.

4. Tact

All of us have bad days. But just because you're having a bad day doesn't mean you should take it out on your colleagues or team members. They might be having a worse day than you are. Reflect on what you are going to say and how it's going to affect the other person before you say it. Being mindful of this will inherently change your approach towards the conversation.

5. Accountability

Sometimes miscommunication just happens, despite your best efforts to be clear. Don't start playing the blame game—it's counterproductive and doesn't solve the problem. Take responsibility and move on. Similarly, advocate a culture of accountability in the team. If someone makes a mistake, expect them to own up to it but focus on a productive solution instead of berating them about it.

6. Empathy

As much as you might loathe confrontations, sometimes there's just no other way to solve a problem. But it doesn't have to be hostile. Empathising with the other person's situation will helpyou maintain a neutral tone and approach towards the topic. Look at it from their perspective and listen to what they're saying—we often overlook the important details when we jump to conclusions.

Treating people with respect instantly makes you more likeable. If your team members like you, they're more likely to follow your lead. It's that simple.