I was recently asked by a friend and colleague to offer advice she might share with emerging female leaders in the public relations field. This is what I came up with.
Following are effective communication tactics I have learned and practice each day:
- If you have a problem with someone, tell that person first and work to resolve it. If you tell everyone else first, it will get back to the person, making the relationship difficult to repair.
- Communicate openly and honestly. Do not make people guess what you want and what you are trying to communicate. Be confident and tell them directly. If you do not have confidence in yourself, no one else will.
- If a person is reluctant to put something in writing, that is more reason for you to do so. Document everything so that you can defend yourself and cover your hide if need be. It is better to have documentation and not need it than to need it and not have it.
- Know your audience. Do not communicate with your boss or a board member the same way you communicate with your parents or best friend.
- Do not allow others to steal your ideas without standing up for yourself. However, do not become combative. If you propose an idea during a meeting and it is blown off, then the same idea is accepted when a male proposes it, remind your colleagues that you just communicated that same idea. Some men are famous for stealing ideas, but women allow them to get away with it. And if you don’t think it matters, say nothing and watch that same man get promoted within six months because you allowed him to steal your ideas.
What effective communication tactics would you add? Please feel free to post a comment. Thank you!
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