In our 45 years of experience in the leadership and influence field, we’ve found that professionals and leaders that possess years of technical experience tend to lack the essential skills to communicate effectively. While technical expertise is important, the downplay of skills like articulating ideas and presenting opinions clearly can affect decision-making in the workplace. For example, technical professionals may spend too much time explaining their ideas to non-technically savvy team members. Professional development includes being able to structure and deliver your ideas simply to anyone and everyone. Having good communication skills as a leader can also influence, persuade and motivate others — the key essentials to creating high-performing teams. 

The risk of ineffective communication shouldn’t be ignored. Studies have even shown the price leaders pay when they don’t communicate enough. For professionals who think that maintaining distance from their team is the way to lead, think again. Leaders who under-communicate are 10X more likely to be criticised than those who over-communicate as they are seen as less qualified and not empathic enough to be a leader. But it doesn’t just stop there. Leaders also need to understand the type of communication that works well for their team. Some may prefer influential and optimistic language while others want direct and firm communication. When the preferred communication style isn’t used, teams tend to question their leader’s ability and their lack of empathy. 

Organisations have to prioritise grooming and developing future leaders in these areas to maintain a consistent and reliable pipeline of talents. Communicating clearly and effectively opens doors to developing teams to their optimal performance. It all begins with the two components of clarity and confidence — thinking and visualising skills.