How to Communicate Credibly

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How to Communicate Credibly

Effective communication requires that the message the audience hears / receives is the one that you want to communicate. George Bernard Shaw said it best “The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been achieved.” As leader of the orchestra it depends upon you (us) whether the result is Music or Noise. And let me tell you the only way to ensure that the result is good music is through credible communication. Credibility is a leader’s strong point, his currency;

With it he is solvent, without it he is bankrupt.

Rotary is a leadership-intensive enterprise. Leadership in Rotary is all about influence, nothing more and nothing less. What works in Rotary is leadership in its purest form. If you (we) cannot influence people they won’t follow. And this influence comes mainly if not only from credibility. Credibility simply means Believability.

Over the years I have strived to learn to be increasingly credible in my actions & communication & I believe that this comes about through these 7 simple practices.

(1) Speak the Truth Simply & Consistently

Your word is your Bond. Be sincere, honest & transparent. Transparency brings legitimacy. Over the years I have realized that it is important to be simple and truthful in any communication. People listen to what you say and how you say it. You have the opportunity to be known as a person of his or her word.

This conveys the message that you & your communications can be trusted. It also enables you to expand your influence and ensures that people follow not because they have to but because they want to. Make the message clear and sharp. Repetition helps. Tell them what you want to tell them and if needed tell tham again. Keep it simple.

(2) Appreciate the good work but Don’t hide the Bad News.

I have firmly believed that better things in Rotary happen when you give credit & appreciation to those who work hard for Rotary. At the same time credibility is truly established if you are not afraid to raise issues & talk about problem areas.

I have been inspired by the example of Winston Churchill. During World War II he let the British people know that they were in their darkest hour, their backs were up against the wall, and that democratic civilization depended upon their ability to win the war against Hitler. He did not sugarcoat everything & his sincerity instilled a grim determination in the people to sacrifice and persevere.

I have never been afraid of talking about Membership Concerns – about problem areas in Membership and about the frustration of not eradicating Polio as yet.

(3) Be Passionate and Lead by Example

The key to credible communication is to be passionate about your communication and do what you say – set an example. Two subjects are close to my heart; Membership Development & Polio Eradication.

Over the years I have consistently talked, written, communicated on these 2 subjects. I am passionate about them. And this passion comes from my firm belief that Rotary is destined to play & continue to play a vital role in providing & ensuring a better future for communities around the globe.

And if it has to do so it must grow. In fact it is bound to grow if we – the top leadership become passionate & completely committed to Membership Development. And of course Polio Eradication will ensure credibility to the whole organization. It will ensure Rotary’s name in the history books as an organization which kept its commitment to the children.

And my credibility on Membership comes because I believe in the principle of ‘Leader Lead Thyself’. I have been firmly committed to Membership having established 20 New clubs as DG and brought in 700 New Members. And I have always advocated to go about Membership Growth in the Right way without compromising on the proper steps, without compromising on quality but emphasizing that we must open our hearts, doors & minds to the thousands around us whom Rotary deserves to have as Rotarians. It will not be out of place here that I have personally proposed over 75 men/wemen for the membership in Rotary.

(4) Listen

It is important to listen and get feedback. Some Do’s of Listening Show interest. Express empathy. Be silent when silence is needed. When you think that something is missing, ask simple, direct questions to get the necessary information. Listening to what others have to say not only signifies respect but it shows you value your people and believe in them.

(5) Touch their Hearts:-

An important skill in communication is the ability to connect with people. People do not care what you know or how much you know what they want to know is how much you care. If you want to ask for a person’s hand, you have to touch their heart first. You can only move people to action if you connect to them with emotion. That makes your simple, honest communication really, really credible. You develop credibility with people when you connect with them & show that you want to help, that you genuinely care for them. Be consistently compassionate.

(6) Prioritize:-

Set your priorities. Remember the 20/80 principle.

20% of your priorities will give 80% of your result.

20% of your time will produce 80% of your result

20% of people will be responsible for 80% of Rotary’s success.

Determine that 20% & focus on them. Communicate well with them. Credibility comes when you set right priorities. Life would be easy and simple if we could say Yes everytime. You have to learn to say No too. A person who is a “straight shooter” is credible and respected by all. If you Learn to say no to the Good then you develop the possibility and potential to say yes to the Best.

(7) Walk with Rotarians

Do not lose contact with the grassroots Rotarians. Keep in touch. Rotarians at the grassroots are the inspiration & real strength behind our organization. Simple acts of caring, Minor acts of showing you care are important - a warm handshake, a smile, calling someone by first name. These make the difference between a Positional Leader & a Credible Loved Leader.

I decided early on I wanted to be a Credible, Loved Leader because I kept in mind George Bernard Shaw’s words:

‘Life is a Shining torch which I have got to hold up for the moment & I want to make it burn brightly before passing it on to future generations’.

That’s what I wish to do with the Rotary torch entrusted in my hands.

Credibility is the bond between the leader and the follower and it forms the bedrock why people will do what the leader asks of them. You too will know you are succeeding when you hear others tell you they know they can count on you; they have confidence in you and feel secure and happy that you are part of the Team.

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Ashokmahajan.com

Service above Self

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