Communication is a key for leaders. How they use their words can make all the difference. I know for me as a leader I have to be intentional in how I speak with my fellow staff members. I can use words to encourage great performance or I can use my words to call attention to things I am doing. Leaders should always focus their communication on others and their strengths. People want to follow someone who is focused the group not themselves. Here is a list of things to say if you are a leader.
1. Is there a better way?
I love to use this statement with my people. It says that my focus is improvement. People want to follow a leader who wants to grow and is willing to make changes. This statement also says I am willing to listen to new ideas. I want my people to be creative and innovate. This statement encourages this thinking.
2. How does this idea fit with our vision?
Leaders push every idea and thought through the filter of the vision. This ensures alignment with a ministry’s activities and goals. By using this statement leaders reinforce the vision and remind everyone that the vision is the guiding light.
3. Who is going to own this?
In many ministries new ideas are created but no one is given ownership of implementing the idea. Leaders need to make sure that their people know who is in charge of all ideas of the ministry. When there is no clarity, followers think the leader will make it happen. When the whole ministry is centered on the leader not much will happen. Leaders need to make sure they are delegating out the responsibilities for the ministry moving forward.
4. I trust you
This is a powerful statement. It says I give you complete control, run with this, I have your back. When leaders say this and mean it, they empower followers to do great things. Trust is the key ingredient to developing people long-term. No staff member will grow as a leader unless they feel like they are trusted. Do your people think you trust them… do they act like it?
5. We are a team
Too many leaders use the term “family.” They tell their followers that they are a “family” then when they have to make a change on the team it doesn’t feel like “family,” it feels like a business. Resist the term “family” and say we are a team. Teams share a mission and work together to reach common goals. If a team member is not performing up to par, then the team can challenge to improve performance. Families accept people where they are, teams challenge members to grow. Be truthful and tell your followers that they are part of a team with a mission.
