Of course, every leader has personal working rules and type of communication. But there are a lot of tips on how to communicate and work effectively. 

If you are your own team leader - read this. If you are not a leader, but have one in your team - read this too! 

In every occasion it is necessary to know effective leader communication and most common do’s and don’ts. It’s all for your own good, whoever you are.

So let’s start with DO’S!

Responsible point of view to leader communication is usually the best way to prevent don’ts which destroys all leader’s work. So being a leader usually brings a lot of responsibilities. But we think that the best thing is to follow these:

Always ask your team

If you are a leader, you are the most important part of the team. If you want to have your team’s attention, you need to ask your team various things related to current projects. It’s not to show how half-wit you are. That’s how you will create a healthy relationship without being bossy. Your team members will feel safe around you. 

It’s like that situation when two crew members who never talked, unexpectedly find one thing in common they hate and it’s connecting them. Only this time you are the boss and you are trying to show that you are in a safe mood to ask and communicate freely. 

This type of communication with co-workers will be more effective to find new ways of working and new types of projects you can make together.

Always be responsive

Do you remember how many times various managers ignored you no matter what situation it was? Do you remember how many times you ignored someone? Even if they sent their CV,  sent a long letter with their proposals - if they sent anything that is clearly URGENT to answer, the leader MUST find time to answer.

I never understood how people can be so busy that they can’t answer email in one day. Of course, it’s hard sometimes to process in a few places at one time, but a good leader will always be responsive at least with the email in which they will say in how much time they will give you a full answer.

That’s how leaders show how they respect you, your and their own time.

Don't be afraid to be not sure

Bad thing that the previous generation of people formed an opinion, that managers and leaders must be sure about everything, otherwise they will be worthless. Of course, it’s important to be sure about your current projects and other important things related to that. But there are some things that can’t be predicted. And that’s why sometimes it’s ok not to know.

That’s why if you don’t know something and you are not sure about the future of your possible actions that depend on something, you must be frank and be not afraid to be not sure. Even if you are a leader. 

You should remember that humanity, not anything else, is a strongest foundation for trust and effective team work. Your team members will trust you and respect you more if you will be open about your current position. In this case team members can make suggestions and help unsure situations.

WHAT ABOUT DON’TS?

Be a leader, not a boss

As I mentioned, the most important thing is to feel boundaries between being a leader and being boss. It is important to be strict with your team members sometimes, because hierarchy in a team should still exist, but don’t be too bossy. 

Remember that if your team fails, you will fail too. That’s why you need to go together and be a part of the team, part of the process.

Do not praise one team member in others eyes

Some people think that praising team members is a really important thing for their motivation. 

But the truth is that a person who is praised usually feels uncomfortable in front of others and others feel the same way too, because they’ve been left out. 

If you are a leader, you should understand that in this critical moment when you decide to distinguish one team member from others, your team you’ve tried to build so long can very easily break. 

It can’t be seen easily, because team members won’t show their frustration, but it can break their trust in themselves. 

That’s why if you are working on a project as a team, you should praise all teams and praise or criticise those you like or not in person.

Build bridges, not burn them

If you are your own team leader, you should build big bridges between your team members. In other words, as a leader, you must prepare team building tasks and create situations where your team could unfold as a team.

You can invite your whole team for dinner or maybe you can plan a short vacation in a cottage. Everything fits if you are doing sincerely for your team.

Of course, these effective leader communication do’s and don’ts are not only ones, but if you will try to start following these tips, we believe that you won’t need any other tips to be a good leader for your team.

If you are your own team leader or maybe have a true leader in your team, share your experience, what it’s like to be a leader or be in one’s team!