• About
  • Contact
  • Testimonials
  • Newsletter
  • More
    • Demographics & Advertising Rates
    • Terms & Conditions
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
No Result
View All Result
California Business Journal
  • Front Page
  • Business
  • Finance
  • People
  • Featured
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Law
  • News
  • Food
  • Art & Culture
  • Human Interest
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Health & Fitness
California Business Journal
Harvard and Duke graduate Jackie Insinger is the author of Spark Brilliance

Harvard and Duke graduate Jackie Insinger is the author of Spark Brilliance

Commentary by Harvard’s Jackie Insinger, Author of Spark Brilliance

'A great communication culture is one where every person on a team is secure in the value of their contributions, and is certain that their leader wants to hear and understand them. If you build it, they will speak.'

by Jackie Insinger, Special to California Business Journal
A A
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Many people think effective communication is saying what you want to say. It’s one of those things that sounds like it should be true, yet it’s not.

Communication is effective when the message is received accurately.

As a leader, you’re focused on how your team members want to be treated—how they perceive, receive, and process input. With that in mind, it doesn’t matter what you said. What matters is how what you said was received—if it was received at all. Focus on that and you’ll build a team with wonderful communication, stellar connection, and incredible results.

In workplaces with great communication culture, team members, leaders, and everyone involved is on the same page. The vision is clear, expectations are even clearer, and discussions don’t end until everyone is sure what they’re supposed to do next. The positive effects on the business are stunning; companies that communicate effectively are more than four times more likely to retain the best employees.

And yet communication between leaders and teams, and between workplace peers, is one of the top challenges faced by any organization. Sixty-nine percent of managers report being “not comfortable” communicating with their employees—which dovetails clearly with the fact that 1,000 employees surveyed by Harris/Interact said that the number one critical skill lacked by 91 percent of leaders is “communicating well.”

Asking questions is über-important—but how you listen is just as crucial. We listen to respond nearly automatically, and not because we’re rude. Typically, it’s because we’re excited—we want to build on their comment or it sparked a memory or new idea we want to share.

Spark BrillianceListening to understand requires taking yourself out of the equation and focusing entirely on the other person. What they’re saying is not about you. It’s about them—what they think, what they feel, what they need.

So, pause. Digest what they’re saying. You can tell you’re listening to understand when every word the other person says inspires a new opportunity to understand them more deeply. Questions come to you that will help you connect; you’re intrigued and driven to fully understand what they’re communicating to you.

A great communication culture is one where every person on a team is secure in the value of their contributions, and is certain that their leader wants to hear and understand them. If you build it, they will speak.

Amplifying all voices is active, not passive. Instead of leaving it to each person to speak up, actively create opportunities for all voices. Ask the quieter members of the team what they think. Bring up in front of everyone the insights a more gun-shy team member shared with you. Or just sit with the silence; often, the best nuggets of wisdom and connection lie in the moments of silence between the talking.

Leaders who have achieved high levels of success usually didn’t get there by accident. They got there by being smart, effective, outspoken, and driving the conversation. Not everyone wants, or is cut out, to be a leader—and some who are just haven’t gotten there yet. But that doesn’t mean that only leaders want to speak.

ADVERTISEMENT

To create a team culture built on great communication, all voices need space to be heard. Sure, each person has a responsibility to speak up. But take a moment to think about the environment you foster in the team you lead—are you making space for all those different voices?

Or are a few of the loudest ones taking up all the space?

Harvard and Duke graduate Jackie Insinger is the author of Spark Brilliance and an Executive Team Dynamics Coach.

Related Posts

Pulse App by Fierce Inc.
CBJ Exclusive: The Pulse App by Fierce Inc. Has Emerged as One of Most Important Employee Well-Being Innovations in Recent History
Dr. Thomas Epperson, President of InnerWill Leadership Institute
Commentary by Dr. Thomas Epperson, President, InnerWill Leadership Institute
Female Executive Manager and Team
How to Become a Better Business Leader
Lacey McLaughlin
Leading Leaders
Mary Teresa Barra is the chair and chief executive officer of General Motors, the first female CEO of a 'Big Three' automaker.
Part 2: Business Leaders' Watchlist 2022
Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., smiles during an interview in New York, U.S., on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013. Warren Buffett and his late first wife, Susan, gave and pledged billions to each of their three children to fund charitable foundations. Howard, an Illinois farmer, picked global hunger as his target. Photographer: Scott Eells/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Essence of Leadership
The Power of Positivity in the Workplace
The Power of Positivity in the Workplace
Tags: authorAuthor of Spark BrilliancebestcultureemployeesJackie Insingerleavingmakingmemoryvalue
ADVERTISEMENT
Jackie Insinger, Special to California Business Journal

Jackie Insinger, Special to California Business Journal

Related Posts

The Power of Positivity in the Workplace
The Power of Positivity in the Workplace
Pulse App by Fierce Inc.
CBJ Exclusive: The Pulse App by Fierce Inc. Has Emerged as One of Most Important Employee Well-Being Innovations in Recent History
Mary Teresa Barra is the chair and chief executive officer of General Motors, the first female CEO of a 'Big Three' automaker.
Part 2: Business Leaders' Watchlist 2022
Dr. Thomas Epperson, President of InnerWill Leadership Institute
Commentary by Dr. Thomas Epperson, President, InnerWill Leadership Institute
Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., smiles during an interview in New York, U.S., on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013. Warren Buffett and his late first wife, Susan, gave and pledged billions to each of their three children to fund charitable foundations. Howard, an Illinois farmer, picked global hunger as his target. Photographer: Scott Eells/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Essence of Leadership
Lacey McLaughlin
Leading Leaders
Female Executive Manager and Team
How to Become a Better Business Leader
advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT

CBJ Newsletter

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram LinkedIn

Advertise With CBJ

Contact Rick@CalBizJournal.com

CBJ Rates and Demographics

Job Postings

CEO Wanted


Requirements: BS/BA + 2yrs of Business Managing Experience

Mail Resume: Grand Life, Inc. 14647 Northam St. La Mirada, CA 90638.

$114,754/year

ADVERTISEMENT
1REALTOUR-SAN DIEGO-WEB DESIGN
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn LinkedIn Instagram
C B J   LOGO  SVG-01
  • About
  • Contact California Business Journal
  • Testimonials
  • Demographics & Advertising Rates
  • Terms & Conditions

Categories

  • Art & Culture
  • Business
  • California Hotel Listings
  • Daily Updates
  • Editor's Choice
  • Education
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food & Dining
  • Health & Fitness
  • Human Interest
  • Insurance
  • Law
  • Lawyers
  • Marketing
  • Medical
  • News
  • Newsletter
  • Opinion
  • People
  • Popular
  • Real Estate
  • Social Media
  • Technology
  • Uncategorized

CBJ Partner Firebrand Media

Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper
 Laguna Beach City Guide
 Newport Beach Independent Newspaper
Newport Beach Country Club Magazine
  Montage Magazine
 Omni Escapes Hotel Magazine
 Bespoke Concierge New York
 Evans Hotels
 Laguna Beach Magazine
 On The Menu Laguna Beach
 Newport Beach Magazine
Coastal Real Estate Guide (NB,LB, CDM)
Monarch Beach Resort Magazine
 Pacific Coast Magazine (SoCal)
Sea Island Life Magazine
Salamander Hotel & Resorts Magazine
 View our entire portfolio

 

Most Viewed

  • Gavel, scales of justice and law books

    Lawsuit Basics: How Much Does It Cost to Sue Someone?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Investigation: Can TriumphFX Take Your Money?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Impact of Covid: Racing to Buy Second Citizenships

    3 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What to Do When an Online Casino Refuses to Pay Out Your Winnings

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Truth About Temu: Where Is It From?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Top 5 Flavors On Elf Bar BC5000 Review

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • NFL Paychecks: How Do NFL Players Get Paid?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Temu’s New Shipping Policy Is A Smashing Hit For Shoppers All Over the Country

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Five Reasons Why The Government Does Not Like Bitcoin

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • How to Start a Telecommunication Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Latest Articles

10 Ways to Increase a Home’s Curb Appeal for Buyers

10 Ways to Increase a Home’s Curb Appeal for Buyers

Feel the Health Benefits of a Bemer PEMF Mat

Feel the Health Benefits of a Bemer PEMF Mat

What Can Help Raise the Level of the Game in World of Warcraft if You are a Beginner

What Can Help Raise the Level of the Game in World of Warcraft if You are a Beginner

Benefits of Editing PDF Online

Benefits of Editing PDF Online

7 FAQs About Home Solar Energy Systems

7 FAQs About Home Solar Energy Systems

Benefits of Using Electric Bikes for Camping and Traveling

Benefits of Using Electric Bikes for Camping and Traveling

How to Sign Up for the Best Casino is Listed Below

How to Sign Up for the Best Casino is Listed Below

Does Personal Auto Insurance Cover Rentals?

Does Personal Auto Insurance Cover Rentals?

The Best M4A4 Restricted Skin

The Best M4A4 Restricted Skin

The Top Signs You Need HVAC Repair: Don't Ignore These Warning Signs

The Top Signs You Need HVAC Repair: Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs

California Business Journal | California Business News, California News Media, California business articles | Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, Northern California, San Francisco | Huntington Beach CA 92649 | (949) 648-3815
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY CALIFORNIA BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Site Design by 1REALTOUR

No Result
View All Result
  • Front Page
  • Business
  • Finance
  • People
  • Featured
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Law
  • News
  • Food
  • Art & Culture
  • Human Interest
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Health & Fitness

California Business Journal | California Business News, California News Media, California business articles | Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, Northern California, San Francisco | Huntington Beach CA 92649 | (949) 648-3815
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY CALIFORNIA BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Site Design by 1REALTOUR