Executive Consultant Kevin Modany Discusses Strategies To Enhance Leadership Communication
Experienced business leader Kevin Modany highlights ways that Executives can increase their communication skills to maximize outcomes.
Author:Tyreece BauerReviewer:Elisa MuellerAug 01, 202419.6K Shares312.2K Views
Concise, effective communication plays an integral role in diverse business operations. Positive internal interactions with fellow team members, along with “win-win” client collaborations, demonstrate good communication at work. Over time, these productive exchanges can lead to longer-term relationships that foster company growth and encourage talent retention.
Executive consultant Kevin Modany is a former Chief Executive Officer (or CEO) who now performs the same function for a private equity firm’s portfolio company. He details the ways in which good communication can help create a more cohesive work environment. He also presents three strategies leaders can use to facilitate better communication with internal and external partners.
4 Key Benefits Of Good Workplace Communication
Effective workplace communication goes beyond sending emails and submitting project proposals. Productive interpersonal exchanges serve as the foundation for workplace harmony and mutually beneficial internal and external collaborations. Executive consultant Kevin Modanyhighlights four advantages of effective workplace communication.
Enhanced Employee Engagement
When good communication is part of a workplace or team setting, employees will likely be more engaged with their job duties. Concurrently, these workers will likely display increased alignment with the company’s goals and objectives. Executive consultant Kevin Modany details five ways good communication can help take employee engagement to the next level.
- Promotes a Better Understanding of Employees’ Motivations, Needs, and Goals
- Enables Managers to Discover Each Employee’s Distinctive Skills and Talents
- Helps Facilitate Skills Development Programs that Align with Company Goals
- Fosters Better Coworker Connections that Promote a Positive Workplace
- Drives Improved Relationships with Managers and Other Company Leaders
Conflict Avoidance And/or Resolution
Regardless of the specifics, interpersonal conflict often stems from less-than-ideal communication between the parties. Two types of communication malfunctions are potentially at the heart of each conflict.
Differences In Communication Patterns
Individuals’ communication patterns frequently vary. When one person has a distinctive communication pattern, and it differs from another person’s pattern, a misunderstanding can occur. Defining each individual’s pattern, and making small adjustments to align both parties, sets the stage for productive communication.
Perceived Lack Of Respect And Support
When an employee does not feel respected and/or supported, a conflict between the parties can arise. To avoid (or resolve) this scenario, a highly communicative team explains how to express personal needs with clarity and respect. When the other party understands this dynamic, better employee engagement and workplace performance can result.
Better Team Dynamics And Workforce Development
In a communication-focused culture, managers can better identify team members’ skills and talents. Communication tools that fit the workplace setting promote team members’ collaboration.
Executive consultant Kevin Modany says communication also promotes creative thinking, innovation, and problem resolution. Team members understand that their contributions will be appreciated even if the ideas are not selected. Finally, good communication enables a team leader to better strategize task delegation along with employee and team development.
Mutually Beneficial Client Relationships
Client-facing team members should receive training in cultivating positive client relationships. Effective communication can help team members understand each client’s needs and provide reassurance to this effect. When sharing new information, team members should consider how they can promote a positive reception.
If a conflict does arise, a well-trained team member can mirror client concerns. With this “meeting of the minds,” the team member can resolve the issue to the client’s satisfaction.
Two-Way Communication Is Ideal
Companies in all industries practice two types of communication. To illustrate, one-way communication occurs when leaders transmit information on company directives and/or procedures. Alternatively, the firm’s Human Resources Department may send benefits updates or notices of upcoming enrollment periods.
Two-way communication enables both the sender and the recipient to take a specific action. Effective leaders frequently engage in two-way communication that enables them to forge relationships with employees. Team members should always be encouraged to share opinions and provide feedback ─ even if it’s negative.
3 Ways Leaders Can Cultivate Effective Communication Skills
Impactful communication doesn’t happen on its own. Fortunately, executive consultant Kevin Modany says adopting three proven practices can help elevate a leader’s communication skills. This positions them to build solid relationships with team members and/or internal and external partners.
Connect With The Audience
When speaking to any audience, an effective leader will first connect with those who will hear the message. To make that connection, the leader should understand their audience’s makeup and perspective.
To illustrate, a small group of engineering professionals may convene to learn about a new technology application. In contrast, human resource professionals meet to receive updates on applicable government laws and regulations. Each group’s collective backgrounds and issues of concern are different. Therefore, the leader should tailor their message accordingly.
Approach And Terminology Are Key
To establish a rapport with a group (or a client), an effective leader should frame their message with a “You” instead of an “I” approach. Focusing on the audience’s need or problem, rather than only touting the speaker’s solution, encourages a “meeting of the minds.”
Equally importantly, an effective leader uses terminology and examples that will resonate with their audience. To illustrate, using engineering jargon in a human resources address would likely confuse the audience and diminish the message’s impact.
Practice Clarity And Conciseness
Regardless of the venue or audience, a clear, concise message enables listeners to grasp the relevant information without being overloaded with unnecessary details. When they clearly understand the message, they are ready to move forward with an action plan.
Kevin Modany’s Perspective On Clarity
Executive consultant Kevin Modanyhas long believed that clear, concise communication makes the most sense. Whether interacting with clients or colleagues, he delivers straightforward information his audience can easily understand.
Become An Active Listener
An effective leader prioritizes active listening in every conversation. Whether speaking with team members or clients, the leader listens to opposing viewpoints along with positions with which they align. The leader also asks for clarification, takes notes, and encourages follow-up conversations to explore the topic further. Finally, they encourage team members to also adopt an active listening approach.
Consistent Messaging Sets The Stage For Success
An effective leader uses consistent messaging in every audience or team member interaction. Communicating a unified company mission, related strategic goals, and a tailored problem-solving approach help build audience or team cohesion. Executive consultant Kevin Modany emphasizes that this consistent communication lays the foundation for company growth.
Tyreece Bauer
Author
A trendsetter in the world of digital nomad living, Tyreece Bauer excels in Travel and Cybersecurity. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and is a certified Cybersecurity professional.
As a Digital Nomad, he combines his passion for exploring new destinations with his expertise in ensuring digital security on the go. Tyreece's background includes extensive experience in travel technology, data privacy, and risk management in the travel industry.
He is known for his innovative approach to securing digital systems and protecting sensitive information for travelers and travel companies alike. Tyreece's expertise in cybersecurity for mobile apps, IoT devices, and remote work environments makes him a trusted advisor in the digital nomad community.
Tyreece enjoys documenting his adventures, sharing insights on staying secure while traveling and contributing to the digital nomad lifestyle community.
Elisa Mueller
Reviewer
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film.
She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide.
With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
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