Employees want their leaders to be visible, candid, easy to understand and open to discussion. As communicators, we can help leaders meet some of these needs by writing blog posts and developing PowerPoints®, but we can’t script their every word.
To help your leaders prepare for off-the-cuff conversations, teach them how to frame their messages. Follow this recipe for dialogue that resonates:
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What it means Leaders should develop the story they need to tell and stick to it. Any deviation in messages will confuse employees, or worse, cause distrust. |
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How to achieve it Provide leaders with tools like core decks, key messages and FAQs to help them stay on message. |
| Compelling | |
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What it means Leaders can create confidence among employees by delivering messages in a compelling manner. The more emotional connection employees feel, the more trust increases. |
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How to achieve it Leaders should strive to make an emotional connection with employees by:
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| Authentic | |||
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What it means Employees see through corporate jargon and pre-scripted speeches. Inspire confidence among employees by giving them the unvarnished truth. |
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How to achieve it
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| Engaging | |
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What it means An important ingredient in leader communication is dialogue. When employees have a chance to talk through something, they feel like they’re part of the process, rather than just receiving orders. |
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How to achieve it Coach leaders on the importance of answering questions, listening to concerns and asking for ideas. Here are two prompts to start a dialogue:
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