In the first two parts of our focus on tips for leadership and communication, we looked at David Grossman’s GREAT EIG8T strategies for leadership and communication while connecting to our RCG communication skills and tools. In our article prior to this one, we shared his first four tips.

They were:

1. Lead Yourself First
2. Know Your Staff and Their Needs
3. Show Your Human Side
4. Communicate Regularly

So, let’s continue…

NUMBER 5: FRAME THE CONTEXT AND MAKE IT RELEVANT

Even as you communicate more, it’s important to provide the context for your communications. Simply by making your message super relevant it informs your staff about the importance to place on something, what assumptions to draw or not about what is being communicated, and most importantly, the ultimate meaning of the message.

Grossman offers a formula. 5Ws and an H. Check it out!

WHAT: What’s the decision? What does it mean? What should I know? What’s in it for me?

WHY: Why is it the right decision? Why now? Why is it important?

WHERE: Where is the decision coming from? Where/what will it affect? Where is more info?

WHEN: When is this happening?

WHO: Who made the decision? Who’s in charge? Who does it impact?

HOW: How was the decision made? How will it be implemented? How will communication flow? How does it impact me?

NUMBER 6: TALK OPENLY ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING. 3 + 1 tool

Employees want these three things:

1. What their leaders know and when they know it
2. What their leaders don’t know
3. Information presented in a truthful way

Sometimes leaders don’t have all the answers they need. It makes it feel like things are just happening to you, things are out of your control. It is also comforting to know that employees don’t expect you to have all the answers. They do want truth. So be proactive. Bust the MYTHS being shared. Sharing what you do know and don’t know is critical.

NUMBER 7: BE RESPECTFULLY AUTHENTIC

The key factor of making communication powerful and effective is an “it” factor. You have “it” already. Respectful authenticity. Authenticity isn’t a skill. It’s something we are always working on to become better….at our job, in our relationships, or living a fulfilling life. Authenticity is who you are and how you are real in your communication. 1. Always know yourself (self-awareness). 2. Be your best self, consistently. Be your values, be a model of what you want in others. 3. Have quiet courage.

NUMBER 8: BE READY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS

The last of the “GREAT EIG8T” strategies that Grossman offers to us is – Always be ready to answer questions. You as a coach leader also know how to answer questions in a way that creates rich conversation and dialogue that leads to understanding, clarity and insight.

Always be ready for questions and be prepared. Practice out loud to answer the toughest questions…. And you are always thinking…what we know, what we don’t know, and what we’re moving to find out.

As a coach leader, you are always thinking the standards and expectations of the work. Bridge the questions and answers back to the expectations, or purpose, or mission of the work. Your powerful language will lift people back to their commitment to this important work we do.

As we end this series on eight strategies shared from author and leader, David Grossman, take a second and consider all the ways your Leadership Coaching training in Results Coaching has prepared you for these challenging times. With your coaching mindset of belief and positive intent and your powerful coaching communication skills highlighting reflective feedback, just envision the inspiration and motivation you will be bringing every day to your committed staff and trusting kids and community. Coach Leader – you got this!!

Resource: The Grossman Group: 8 Ways to Lead With Heart in Times of Uncertainty and Change, 2020