It’s a headline that we might chuckle at and walk on by, but we know we shouldn’t.
Leadership “being the boss” is about providing vision, focus, direction, motivation and coaching etc. The only way to deliver on the extensive list of leadership responsibilities is through good quality communication. Two-way communication that lets people test understanding as well allowing them to provide feedback and contribute ideas. The type of communication that promotes team members to take ownership and responsibility for quality and action.
The remote challenge
The world of work is still wrestling with the balance between remote/homeworking and working together face to face in the office. I suspect that this balance will be in discussion for some considerable time. However, I think that it is clear by now that remote working, whatever the balance, is here to stay. This means that the requirement for people to meet and influence each other over video platforms will also remain.
So, let’s reflect on a well known communication statistic that looks at the makeup of the communication between people.
7% is Verbal – The words we use.
35% is Vocal – The volume, and intonation behind the words we use.
58% is Visual – The body language, facial expressions and surrounding environment.
The basic interpretation is: you can say what you like but unless the vocal and visual elements match your words, you’re wasting your breath.
If the above statistic is in anyway accurate, it has major implications for teams and leaders trying to influence each other through video. If as leaders we want people to buy into ideas and commit to aligned action, they need communication to come from you and not a silhouetted Dalek in its’ death throes.
“I -ant . . . conk . . . . . he meerkat . . is . ear . ease” will not get you even close to your objective.
Some of the actions to kill off the Dalek and reveal the influential you are simple.
The first step is to take communication, and the communication format seriously so that you take the steps to set up your own mini studio.
Other simple hints and tips are:
- Don’t sit with your back to a window or bright light.
- Get a decent microphone and camera.
- Don’t have the camera on a different computer/screen to the images of your team/audience.
It’s hard to read your expressions from your cheek and your ear wax is not motivational. - Make sure that everyone else in your house/office is not trying to live stream on the Wifi at the same time as you . . . get a cable.
- Test the communication with a colleague prior to an important meeting.
Apologies if this all sounds direct and “a bit parental” but simple things will increase your reach and influence very quickly.
Berrison’s’ Uncle Tony has put together a short video on how to not “Appear as a Dalek near you”
click here
By Colin Dulson – Managing Director at Berrison Ltd
If you would like to know more about how Berrison can help please contact us: connect@berrison.com
