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Communication as a leader is a huge part of our success. This doesn’t necessarily mean talking to communicating with hundreds of people, but rather the way we come across, conveying our ideas and integrity through what we say.

In a busy world, it can be easy to get confused as to how to communicate, here are some tips to communicate better:

What You Say & What You Stand For

Leaders are often quoted, remembered, and judged on what they say. And what you say can often be construed as what you stand for.

How often do we read the news and see a leader being quoted on what they said? While sometimes things can be twisted for news titles, news can have a huge impact on your reputation and influence.

Thus, as leaders, what we say and what we stand for must be identical. This ties in with the “Always On Leader” that we have often written about. You always need to be communicating what you believe in!

Leadership Communication is Similar to Selling

The greatest salespeople are successful because they have practiced the art of influencing people. Salespeople have to understand their customers to show them why they should work with them and not with a competitor. They have to influence people to succeed.

As leaders, we too need to influence and sell. We have to sell our ideas and visions to our team, investors, and our audiences. Learn to sell through your words, and you can become a better leader.

Don’t Bully People

While we may sell to people, we cannot do so in ways that undermine our integrity. Manipulation, bending of the truth, and other sleazy sales tactics are not something to consider. They will destroy your reputation and influence in minutes. As a leader, you need to have great integrity, without it, you will surely fall foul to others.

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.” – Warren Buffet

Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes

The best way to connect with someone else and influence them in a meaningful way is to walk in their shoes. Walking in someone else’s shoes allows you to understand their lives and struggles.

This can help you as a leader to show compassion for others, and show you how to communicate with them! The best way to sell and influence them honestly.