Did you know that 86% of employees and executives claim that poor communication is a cause of workplace failures? Having good communication skills isn't just a bonus. It's a necessity.
Every leader in a workplace should be a great communicator, but how can you identify whether you or one of your employees qualifies? We're here to help! Continue reading to discover a few characteristics shared by every great communicator.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness might be the most important sign of an effective communicator.
When someone is self-aware, they're able to control their emotions and responses better. They can identify when their actions or thoughts are inappropriate and respond accordingly.
This self-awareness leads to better awareness of others. It also makes it easier for someone to avoid conflict.
Active Listening
Being a good communicator requires being a good listener. Good listeners usually practice active listening. But how can you tell if someone is practicing active listening?
Active listeners aren't just waiting for the other party to finish talking so they can respond. They're paying attention to every word so they can fully understand.
Active listeners tend to make eye contact and they offer indications that they're listening, such as nodding and small interjections (like "go on").
Empathy
The ability to empathize with others means that someone can put themselves in another person's position and adapt easily to different personalities and situations. This is a crucial part of being a good communicator.
When someone has a challenging time being empathetic, they can appear to be headstrong. They're often unable to understand why someone may disagree with them, even if their reasons are sound.
They may also struggle to explain things in ways that other people can understand. Because they're able to understand, they don't identify the need to make any changes.
However, those who can empathize are also able to quickly pick up on emotional responses and shift their communication habits to match.
Concision
There are times when it's appropriate to have lengthy discussions and explanations, but for the most part, concision is key. A good communicator will be able to make complex topics more understandable and accessible by condensing them.
A great leader should be able to quickly give clear instructions even if the topic is complicated. And for many, it can be a lifelong effort! There are entire courses dedicated to helping people become better communicators.
Ability to Read Body Language
Body language isn't as easy as it looks for many people. Because not all communication is verbal, it's crucial for good communicators to be able to read and display appropriate body language.
Some body language indicates that someone is unhappy or uncomfortable. Some indicate dishonesty. Some indicate positive emotions.
Learn how to read body language if you want to improve your overall communication skills.
Become a Better Communicator with Coursetter
Knowing the signs of a great communicator is the first step toward becoming one yourself. Being a good communicator is crucial for anyone who wants to succeed in a leadership position. Are your communication skills up to par?
At Coursetter, we aim to help people improve their communication skills to improve both their professional and personal relationships. We offer an entire catalogue of courses, both in person and online. Learn more about our other development courses and get started today!