Communicating with your organization, whether in person or by email, newsletter, or desk drop, is one of the more consequential functions of any business leader. It can also be one of the most challenging. With an authentic tone and thoughtful language choice, you can truly connect with your employees and boost both their commitment to the company’s goals and success and their overall morale and productivity. Whether you’re giving feedback on a project, relating new strategic initiatives, delivering news of a layoff, or simply checking in with your team, here are a few insights to keep in mind:
- Beyond providing vital information, your communications should convey feeling and mood. Use language that clearly articulates the subject at hand, but also give thought to appropriate voice and tone. Both can influence perception and reaction.
- Remember, you’re likely communicating with a wide range of people—not all of whom will be accustomed to C-suite lingo. Keep your message clear yet approachable and adapt it to your audience for maximum engagement.
- No organization is successful due to leadership performance alone; each member of your team plays an important role. Always find ways in your missives to convey that you’re all in this together—because you are.
- And another thing, pepper those catchphrases sparingly. Over time, they tend to evoke eye-rolls or yawns. Find imaginative and authentic expressions, and your words will carry more weight.
- A simple signoff like, “thanks for all you do to contribute to our success,” conveys thoughtfulness and appreciation. You can also express your empathy about uncertain or difficult times to let your team know you’re by their side through it, or close with an inspirational quote or personal reflection about the journey ahead.
These guidelines are fairly straightforward but a good reminder to leverage your communications to bring out the best in your employees and help manage emotions during high-stakes changes. They’ll appreciate your leadership and reward you with their loyalty and hard work.
Contact AMJ to discuss any Leadership or Corporate Communications needs.
