One key communication challenge for leaders is the ability to clearly explain the purpose of the message. Are you looking for feedback? Seeking alternate opinions? Informing people about a decision? Or are you just thinking out loud?
We’ve all heard (or personally experienced) stories about mis-matches of intent. For example, I know of a local organization that was visited by an enterprise leader from New York. While complimenting them on their facilities, the leader mentioned that the front lobby would be a great place for a fountain. A few weeks later he received plans and a price estimate for installing a fountain. As you probably guessed, the leader was just making an observation. He had no desire to spend money or staff time on implementing it!
Leaders need to communicate differently, because their words carry more weight. What strategies do you use to explain your point?
Dee Anne
Higher EDge 
Great observation, DeeAnn! It’s easy to get caught on a random comment and make it the center of our attention. If leaders would take time at the start of conversations/meetings to say, “Here’s what I want to discuss in an effort to…” and then again at the end to say, “Here’s what I hoped to achieve through this conversation, and here’s what I think we agreed on…”, I believe we’d have clearer messaging and less confusion.
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Good idea, Kathy. Starting and ending conversations clearly would save a lot of misunderstandings.
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